Phoney war kicks off as Barca legend Cruyff sticks boot into Fergie's United

There may be six more days to go before the first leg of the semi-final in Spain, but the Holland legend, who coached Barcelona to their first European Cup success in 1992 and is an adviser to president Joan Laporta, was quick off the mark.

He said last night: 'Manchester United run a lot. Their style of football, and that of all the English teams, gives the false sensation that they run more than anyone.

'That's just because, despite having a majority of foreigners in their squads, they maintain the philosophy of long-ball football and sprinting 60 yards after the ball.

'That is how they exploit spaces in front of the midfield.

'If they played in the other team's half more often those spaces wouldn't exist. Despite recognising their effort, you can disarm an English side who press and look for the long ball by keeping possession and moving the ball around quickly.

'You know they will expend all their energy on closing down and chasing long balls, then you know you can beat them by playing the ball horizontally and around them.'

Barcelona, nine points behind leaders Real Madrid in La Liga, are being written off by many people in Spain, especially as they have lost star forward Ronaldinho to a thigh injury.

United will continue their preparation for next week's tie with a Barclays Premier League fixture at Blackburn on Saturday. They will fly to Spain on Tuesday morning.

Barcelona, meanwhile, play rivals Espanyol in the Nou Camp on Saturday evening and will hope for an improvement on their poor form.

Cruyff added: 'Our supporters should not be so negative. Barcelona have players who can open up the game, create space and make one on-one situations against United. Look at Lionel Messi. He is unique. Players like that can win any game.'

While United and Barcelona prepare for their semi-final, Liverpool and Chelsea are preparing to play each other for the third time at this stage.

The first leg takes place at Anfield on Tuesday, and Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has offered a stark assessment of his team's chances.

Speaking on Spanish radio, Reina said: 'We're pretty f****d up in our own semifinal. I think Chelsea are going through a good moment, we have the second game away and they are desperate to beat us after what has happened before.'