Rafa Benitez Official Website

I think United have declined from last season even, I can't see them beating either of La Liga's top two.
City are a work in progress, I think over two legs they can do well against the Spanish teams, maybe not go through however.
In a one off Final, anything can happen.
What do you think Rafa?

City can overcome Madrid but not Barcelona at the moment,
United is not a balanced team at the moment especially in the midfield area and deffence. What do u think Rafa.

Response:

Hello Gharib, we are in November, we were playing against Barcelona in February, so, we will see how each team progress and if they don't have too many injuries.

I do not think they can in this season. My team Bayern Munchen has a better chance to be honest. So it seems that the Champions League trophy will remain in Spain.

United have really deteriorated even though they are determined. City are getting there as their squad is already showing . However Barca have a 'genius' in every compartment that counts and another on the bench.

It depends if we are talking a two-legged tie, or whether we are spaeking of just one match, like a Final.

In the first format, Utd have similar European experience as a Barcelona or a Real, and can be a threatover two legs. I'm not so sure about City.

In the single match format, I think City will pose the greater challenge to the La Liga sides.

City is improving with every game they play. I am really surprised this season to see that they have actually become an attractive side to watch, bearing in mind their last season's cagey, negative style. AND they get very impressive results, which is equally important. Whether they can beat Barca or Real M. is a question. I think it's rather possible than not.

Utd started the season very well, and it was puzzling everyone how these youngsters play and score so many goals. But they have problems, as it started to show later. Defence is too exposed, midfield is not quality enough. Ferguson tries to play with the formations, but there is clearly a lack of balance in their current squad. We don't know what will happen after January. I predict some big spending at Old Trafford, and it will then depend on which big name(s) they bring in, and how quick they gel in. But with the current squad, I'd say no, they can't beat neither Real, nor Barca.