Rather hypocritical from Mr Rijkaard. Why did his home team not commit more men forward in the Nou Camp? His tactic was to frustrate Utd and bring them out so that Barca could hit them on the counter attack. Utd didn't bite, hence the chess-like encounter. Where was the Barca cavalier-style?

Chris C, Zurich,

As a Barca fan, who is willing to get a tougher coach for next season (which doesn't mean defensive), I have never heard Rijkaard complaining about a team after losing to them. To be honest, and this is what makes Barca so big and at the same time so under-achieving, we'd rather lose and play nicely

Alexis, London,

It's been proven over decades that you can't win the Champions League playing Premier League style attacking football. The English teams are simply adapting their tactics to reflect the way their opponents play. It's not pretty but most of their opponents tend to be results focused.

mike scott, london, uk

I agree with Frank , it's enough to make you spit.

Dave , Barnstaple, N.Devon

Frank will be moaning about the loss of his job that's all .
As for the death of the game at European level by English clubs , the teams are made up with foreign players and the tactics employed are that of european teams .
Sorry Frank but we can't roll over every year to let you win.

Nick Dixon, Sutton Coldfield, England

I don't remember Arsenal playing dour defensive football in this season's Champs league? Maybe ask Ancelotti if he agrees with Rijkaard's assessment...

AmanM, London,

Barcelona should take thier part of the blame for the dullness of the tie. A more direct urgent attacking style would have have meant a more open game. Passing the ball sideways30yds out may keep possesion, but to no purpose. ManU always looked more like scoring, whatever the stats.

Nick, France,

After our reintroduction to European football English clubs played the traditional English way in Europe and got hammered.

Now we've wised up, combined the strengths of English and continental football and dominate the competition. Tough luck johnny foreigner, you've created a monster!

Rob, Speke,

In previous semis against Leverkusen, United led 3 times but went out on away goals. Against Dortmund we made enough chances to win a dozen semis, but didn’t take any of them. I like to see United play flowing football but sometimes being the best team isn’t enough. You have to find another way.

Gary , Germany,

I do agree (regretfully) with Rijkaard's comments. As an ManU fan living in Germany I'd hyped up this contest to all the locals as a demonstration of how fast, accurate and attack-minded the English Premier league has become, only to have to eat my own words. I wish SAF had more trust in this team!

Deano, Krefeld, Germany

Fergie played to their weaknesses and got it done. Rijkaard is exhibiting classic signs of sour grapes. Well, fact is, Utd are going to Moscow and you're going back to Spain, with all your pretty-unable-to-score football.

Ralf, Seattle,

Where is all this whinging and moaning when it's an Italian side who win the European Cup with totally negative, counter-attacking football? It seems for some reason the Continentals just thrive on giving it to England in the neck.

Chip Barbre, Jackson, Missouri, USA

Do you want an attractive, attacking team that ultimately loses or an efficient, less attractive team which wins ?.......discuss.

I guess Rijkard's bosses (and Barca fans would go for option 2 - hence he will be leaving in the summer.

RD, Almeria, Spain

PS - didn't even watch the game last night - I heard the fitter team won...

Yom , Cork, Ireland.

Let’s face it, the away goal rule, and the way that Champions League games are refereed has lead English football teams to play in a different way.
Perhaps Rijkaard should be criticising UEFA for introducing rules that reward cautious tactics.

Joseph, Leeds, UK

I think few would disagree Barcelona were far superior over the 2 legs technique-wise; but United are in the final because sometimes flair alone is not enough.
There are few finer sights in football than when United are in full attacking flow, but sometimes the end is more important than the means.

Henry, London,

Do you remember when Man Utd played cavilier football in Europe? And can you now remember how many European cups they've won in the past 15 years? English clubs have wised up, that's all. How many German teams won it with total football? And how many goals did Barca score with theirs?

Will, Newcastle,

You can't please all the people all the time. For years people have criticised Ferguson for being naive in European games; the guy takes his team to the final by "winning ugly" and suddenly style is more important.

I don't like Man Utd, but come on, what a crock.......

Brendan, Martin, Slovakia