By Subhankar Mondal
24 May 2011 21:37:00
Liga BBVA: David Villa (FC Barcelona)
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Barcelona striker David Villa and midfielder Xavi believe that Manchester United have become a better team since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009.
The Portugal international played his last competitive match for the English giants in the final of the Champions League in May 2009 against Barcelona in Rome, but failed to inspire his side as they lost 2-0 to the Spanish powerhouse.
On Saturday evening United will feature in their third European Cup final in four seasons, and Barcelona duo Villa and Xavi believe that this time they are a better team now because of Ronaldo’s absence.
“Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure has liberated them,” said Villa, according to PA. “Many great players come and go and that has allowed them to remain at the top for so long.”
Xavi added: “Their team isn’t as direct as before; they like to have the ball. I don’t know if that’s because of Cristiano Ronaldo or not, but they move around as a unit now.”
Brazilian full-back Sylvinho, who played for Barca in the final two years ago, echoed his former team-mates’ words and told Sport: “The squads haven’t changed much. Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t there any more, but United are stronger as a team.”
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Barcelona’s David Villa: Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Real Madrid ‘liberated’ Manchester United
