Looks like a reprise of the 2009 Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona. Let's hope the Spaniards leave the handbags behind when they pitch up at Wembley next month.

Technically gifted they may be but Barcelona do not promote the best interests of the game with the default feigning of injury in which they indulge. Sergio Busquets goes to ground quicker than Audley Harrison. Dani Alves might consider a second career in WWF such is the conviction with which he chucks himself on the floor.

As a spectacle the all Spanish semi-final at the Bernebeu fell short of top billing. Jose Mourinho sent out his Real Madrid team to spoil not win, which immediately surrendered the initiative to Barca. One wonders what the members thought of Mourinho's tactics. Real are supposed to represent the finest attacking traditions in the game. On Wednesday they played like neo Dons, with Pepe taking on the role of Vinny Jones with enthusiasm, right down to the sending-off.

Mourinho fashioned one of the great European victories last year, plotting Barca's downfall in the Champions League semi-finals as coach of Inter Milan. It was classic catenaccio, smash and grab football Italian style. Inter are pre-disposed to counter, relying on feverish defence and breaking with stealth.

That defensive mode is anathema to Madrid. And that is how it looked as the white shirts clumped the ball long out of defence and showed little interest in their opponent's goal. The stifling tactics fed the fractious atmosphere, lifted only at the end by the remarkable Lionel Messi. Gordon Strachan claimed from the summarisers spot at pitchside that Messi is the best he has seen. 

Those United fans who watched George Best bewitch Europe in much the same way in the Sixties might argue the toss. There is not much in it either way. Messi is at the vanguard of a mesmeric midfield conducted by the marvellous Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Around that virtuous triangle David Villa and Pedro contribute rapier thrusts and Busquets mops up everything behind.

United had the ball on a string in Rome for the opening ten minutes then barely saw it again after Samuel Eto'o stole in to open the scoring. One hopes Sir Alex Ferguson has learned the lesson of that night. The attempt to defend Barca to death is futile. Yes it has been done on the odd occasion, but only once with conviction. And that was by Mourinho, who utterly failed to repeat the exercise.

United have an attacking tradition as rich as Barcelona's. Far better to fail as Manchester United than an alien representation trying to be clever. In Nani, Wayne Rooney, Chicarito and Antonio Valencia United have attacking players good enough to scare any. Let Fergie invest in their talent and may the best team win.