Sad United Fans Return Home After Barca Defeat

Dejected Manchester United fans are returning home from Rome today, following last night's Champions League final defeat by Barcelona.

Sir Alex Ferguson's hopes of making history, and becoming the first club to defend the title, ended in failure in the Stadio Olimpico, with a 2-0 defeat from the Catalonian side.

Around 30,000 United fans travelled to the Italian capital - 10,000 of those without tickets - in a bid to see the club clinch back-to-back Champions League titles.

However, a bright start from Manchester was soon deflated with a ninth minute strike from Samuel Eto'o, who skipped past United's Nemanja Vidic to score the first of Barcelona's two goals.

Argentinean international Lionel Messi headed a superb goal, crossed by Xavi, in the 72nd minute, to secure Barcelona's triumphant win.

FC Barcelona, who also won their domestic league and cup, last won the top European prize in 2006.

While much of the build-up focused on the battle between United winger Cristiano Ronaldo and his Barca rival Messi, Wayne Rooney said he believes Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta is "the best player in the world".

"Barcelona are a brilliant team and in my opinion Andres Iniesta is the best player in the world," Rooney said.

"They're a great team, pass the ball well and if you don't take your chances, they will punish you. That is what happened.

"We're still a young team and we can come back I hope."

He added: "They deserved to win. I've never played against a better team than this Barcelona. They're a brilliant team."

Original plans for a victory parade through the streets of Manchester have been cancelled.

(JM/BMcC)