Barcelona’s Dani Alves & Xavi claim Manchester United are a better side without Cristiano Ronaldo

Dani Alves of Barcelona

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Barcelona defender Dani Alves believes Champions League final opponents Manchester United are a better team since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese attacker moved to Real Madrid for £80 million after the two sides last met – in the 2009 final – and Alves feels Sir Alex Ferguson’s men are stronger without him.

“This Manchester United team is much more unpredictable without Cristiano Ronaldo,” he told reporters.

“You can see now that they have built a much more balanced side, stronger than a couple of years ago.”

The Spanish giants ran out 2-0 winners two years ago but fellow Barcelona player also Xavi believes United will put up a sterner test this time.

“I don’t know whether it’s because of Cristiano Ronaldo but it’s true that they are a team that works as a unit, very solid on the pitch,” Xavi said.

“This team likes to have the ball more and is not as direct as it used to be.”

Striker David Villa also feels that Saturday’s opponents have become a stronger unit.

He added: “Right now, sincerely, I believe that in the final you will see the two best teams in Europe. They have grown as a side since 2009.

“They have made a very good impression in the Premier League, dominating and proving that they have the desire to remain among the best and fight for the Champions League.

“The team is very complete and I don’t think that the adjustments of the past two seasons have changed much.

“They are stronger because they know each other better.”