Romance will be back in vogue at Wembley

It’s the adjective that will be most used in the build up to the Champions League final after Manchester United ensured a place against Barcelona at Wembley on May 28 and provided an opportunity for football’s most famous trophy to regain some of its misplaced lustre.

After all the depressing scenes from two ugly El Clasico semi-finals between Barca and Real Madrid, the football world breathed a sigh of relief last night as Antonio Valencia, Darron Gibson and Anderson ensured the competition’s finale this season will be one of the most glittering Europe has ever seen.

Manchester United against Barcelona has everything you could ever wish for; some of the best players in the world, football’s most successful manager against his would-be successor; two clubs with fascinating, magical and colourful histories — and two teams who want to play exciting football.