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Rio Ferdinand reveals his Man Utd mistake that still gives him sleepless nights


Lionel Messi tormented Manchester United in both the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals (Picture: Getty)

Rio Ferdinand admits he is still haunted by the mistake he made in the 2009 Champions League final which saw outwitted by Barcelona legends Lionel Messi and Xavi.

United travelled to Rome hoping to become the first team to defend the trophy following their heroics in Moscow against Chelsea a year earlier.

In what would transpire to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final game under Sir Alex Ferguson at United, Barcelona took an early first-half lead through Samuel Eto’o.

Pep Guardiola’s Tika-taka masters dominated proceedings thereafter and settled the contest in the 70th minute when Xavi’s pinpoint cross evaded Ferdinand and landed on the head of Messi who left Edwin van der Saar stranded.

Recalling his error, Ferdinand told BT Sport: ‘I lost sleep over that many many times.

Lionel Messi’s iconic header settled the 2009 Champions League final against Man Utd (Picture Getty)

‘I bet that Xavi couldn’t get the ball over my head from that distance and that’s why I’m glad not a betting man.

‘Against lesser players you can gamble but if you bet against class you get punished.’

United had their shot at revenge two years later, but met an even more polished Barcelona team who had replaced the likes of an ageing Thierry Henry with David Villa, while Messi’s game had been elevated to another level.

Pedro opened the scoring and although Wayne Rooney drew United level, goals from Messi and Villa put the gloss on a 3-1 scoreline that hardly reflected Barca’s near total dominance.

‘They were the bane of our lives, Ferdinand added. ‘We beat them in semi-final to go to Moscow in 2008 but they got their payback and more in two finals.

‘They were the best club side there’s been. They put on a clinic that night at Wembley, we weren’t’ good enough.

‘They were at another level altogether and would have done that to anyone else in that situation.’

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