Sad fans return after Man Utd lose

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

United were comprehensively beaten by a spirited and skilful Barcelona side in Rome's impressive Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night.

Two well-taken goals, one in each half, sunk Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

United were hoping to become the first team to defend their Champions League title since the tournament was rebranded from the European Cup.

And signs looked good early on as they made a number of goal-scoring chances but their bright start was deflated by a goal in the ninth minute by Cameroon hitman Samuel Eto'o. Barcelona controlled much of the second half and their pressure finally told with a header from Argentinian maestro Lionel Messi.

Around 20,000 fans packed into the stadium and a further 10,000 ticketless supporters were estimated to have travelled to Rome for the game.

The Manchester United team are expected back at the city's airport and despite the defeat the English champions will be sure to receive a warm welcome from fans.

Supporters in Rome and Manchester alike were left distraught by the loss. Lorry driver James Loney, who had travelled to Manchester from Lurgan, Co Armagh, to watch the match, said: "I'm devastated, there's no point in pretending otherwise, but I've been a United fan all my life - 40 years."

A huge security operation was in place in Rome involving Italian police and a number of officers from Greater Manchester Police, but the build up to the game passed off with little incident.

A 54-year-old United fan was reportedly stabbed in the early hours of Wednesday morning but later discharged himself from hospital after his condition was not deemed serious. A number of Italian touts were also arrested for trying to sell tickets to United fans.