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Butt backs Park to be a challenge for Barcelona

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-05-23 07:59

MANCHESTER, England - Park Ji-sung could play a key role for Manchester United in its Champions League final against Barcelona, according to former Old Trafford favorite Nicky Butt.

When United won the 1999 Champions Leagie final, with Paul Scholes and Roy Keane both suspended, Butt was at the heart of United's midfield.

Now he expects Park to be at the heart of United's attempts to disrupt the flowing soccer of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi when they face Spanish giant Barcelona at Wembley on Saturday.

"Park has had a phenomenal season," said Butt. "He had that injury after coming back from the Asian Cup but since then he has been outstanding.

"His athleticism is amazing. He can break up play and gives the simple passes," Butt added. "But he also has the energy to get forward and score the odd important goal.

"He is one of those players that are so difficult to play against because he is non-stop.

"Clearly they have outstanding players of their own, but Barcelona will not like playing against Park."

Butt, recently back from a brief stint playing in Hong Kong, will return to Old Trafford on Tuesday to take part in Gary Neville's testimonial match.

Agence France-Presse