Barcelona vs Manchester United 2011 CL Final Starting XI: Where Are They Now?

Manchester United and Barcelona are set to collide once again on the grandest stage, as the two European juggernauts have been drawn against each other in an exciting Champions League quarter-final match-up.

The last time these two teams met in a competitive fixture was in the 2011 UCL final, wherein Pep Guardiola’s Catalan giants emerged victorious over Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils with a 3-1 win. Both sides were full of world-class superstars, who contested a fantastic final at the Wembley Stadium.

Almost eight years since that fateful encounter, let us now take a look at where the players who started the game for their respective teams are at present:

 

BARCELONA

Victor Valdes
Joined Manchester United in January 2015 after running down his Barcelona contract. Confirmed his retirement in January 2018 after subsequent spells at Standard Liege and Middlesbrough.

Dani Alves
Had a one-year spell at Juventus after departing from the Camp Nou. Currently a part of the Paris Saint-Germain side which was incidentally eliminated by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men in the Round of 16.

Javier Mascherano
Earning big bucks at Chinese Super League outfit Hebei China Fortune.

Gerard Pique
The former Manchester United centre-back remains a mainstay in the heart of Barcelona‘s defence.

Eric Abidal
Barcelona‘s Director of Football since June 2018.

Sergio Busquets
Continues to be a vital part of Barca’s midfield.

Xavi
Pulling the strings at Qatari club Al Sadd, where he signed a two-year contract extension in May 2018.

Andres Iniesta
At Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe – a club he shockingly joined back in May 2018.

David Villa
Followed Iniesta to Vissel Kobe in December 2018 after impressive stints in the United States and Australia.

Lionel Messi
The Argentinian continues to rule world football from his throne at Barcelona.

Pedro
Moved to Chelsea in August 2015. Helping the Blues fight for Europa League glory at present.

 

WATCH: Louis van Gaal’s 13 United Signings: Where Are They Now?

 

MANCHESTER UNITED

Edwin van der Sar
Was appointed as Ajax’s CEO in late 2016.

Fabio
Plying his trade in France along with his twin brother. Plays for Ligue 1 side Nantes.

Rio Ferdinand
Now a successful football pundit.

Nemanja Vidic
Retired. Occasionally makes television appearances as a guest pundit.

Patrice Evra
Parted ways with West Ham United at the end of last season. Now a guest TV pundit as well as a social media sensation.

Antonio Valencia
The current captain of Manchester United, although the Ecuadorian looks set to depart from Old Trafford as a free agent come summer.

Michael Carrick
An important part of newly-appointed full-time manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s managerial setup at the Theatre of Dreams.

Ryan Giggs
Manager of the Wales national team since January 2018.

Park Ji-Sung
Retired as a footballer in 2014. Graduated with ‘The FIFA Master – International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport’ degree in July 2017.

Wayne Rooney
The English legend has been lighting the MLS up as DC United’s star forward.

Javier Hernandez
Back in the Premier League, leading West Ham’s forward line.