---
title: "How did United target Dani Alves fare in the Champions League final?"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/06/06/how-did-united-target-dani-alves-fare-in-the-champions-league-final/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Articles"
published: "2015-06-06T22:47:07Z"
modified: "2015-06-06T22:47:07Z"
---

# How did United target Dani Alves fare in the Champions League final?

As transfer speculation between Dani Alves and Manchester United hots up, the full-back played in what looks likely to be his final 90 minutes for the La Liga reigning champions this evening. It was some send off as Barcelona laid their hands on the silverware to symbolise that they are victorious also in the Champions League this term, and Alves played his part. So what exactly did he bring to the table?

Key in maintaining that 58% of possession his side hogged, the 32-year-old helped to steady any preliminary nerves the fans may have had (especially when sloppily conceding that early corner). The Red Devils’ target acted more as a winger prior to the interval, and although this resulted in him often being out of position and caught out when Juventus had a rare break forward, he participated in some wonderful passing moves and got his team on the front foot. Oh and not to mention THAT nutmeg on Vidal.

A controversial turning point in the affair was when Alves brought down Paul Pogba in the area and it proved to be a strong shout for a penalty. It was harshly typical also that Barca’s attacking force would then go down to the other end and blast themselves back in front courtesy of Luis Suarez. Another setback of the right-back was that he was only too keen to hit the deck, although by the looks of it, he’s inherited this trait from his teammates and I don’t see Louis van Gaal standing for his (no pun intended). He could be the force to sort Brazilian’s renowned style-of-play out.

It seems as though he’s achieved all he can with the European giants and perhaps he needs a new challenge that the top flight can provide. Imagine having Di Maria in that long forgotten form he possessed early on in the season and Alves on his overlap.

Finally, on a side note, how could you not want to see the man in question at Old Trafford next season after he showed us all how to travel down an escalator in style?