Showing posts with label News Update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News Update. Show all posts

Seventy-four with a six-pack: Meet the grandmother who is the world's oldest female bodybuilder

By Daily Mail Reporter


She may be a grandmother, but don't call her old.

Ernestine Shepherd, 74, of Baltimore has been crowned by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest competitive female bodybuilder ever.

She told the Washington Post: 'Age is nothing but a number'.

Ms Shepherd has impeccably toned 'six-pack' abs that are the marvel of her Baltimore fitness centre.

Her husband of 54 years, Collin Shepherd, says he 'has trouble keeping guys away from her'.

The Shepherds live in Baltimore with their son, 53, and grandson, 14.

Ms Shepherd does some modelling and teaches fitness classes, and told the Washington Post, 'If you are going to try to motivate people, you have to live that part'.

She also trains rigorously with Yohnnie Shambourger, 57,a former Mr Universe who won the gold medal in bodybuilding at the Pan American Games in 1995.

Mr Shambourger told the Post: 'The six-pack is her signature. When she walks in a room and you see her six-pack, you say, "Ohh! Okay!"

'You are a champion', he told Ms Shepherd during a gruelling session. 'I will train you like what you are'.

Ms Shepherd wakes up at 3 a.m. every day to meditate, then hits the trails in a local park to run 10 miles before lunch.

She eats only plain brown rice, bland chicken breast and vegetables, washed down with a glass of raw egg whites, three times a day.

She told the Post she has no 'desire' for sweets.

Ms Shepherd has appeared on 'Today' and 'The Mo’Nique Show' and has been featured in 'Essence' magazine.

Toned at 74: Ms Shepherd runs 10 miles a day, works out religiously and eats a restricted diet. She also teaches fitness and competes as a bodybuilder. She has won two titles and run nine marathons

Happy: Ernestine Shepherd has been married to Collin Shepherd for 54 years. The Baltimore man cooks all her meals and runs errands so she can have more time to train

First prize: Ms Shepherd shows off a trophy she won in a bodybuilding competition

Coach: Ms Shepherd trains with Yohnnie Shambourger, 57, a former Mr Universe and gold medallist in the Pan American Games. He says of his client: 'The six-pack is her signature'

Raw egg whites: Ms Shepherd drinks a glass of raw egg whites three times a day. She rejects steroids and supplements in favour of a 'natural' plan


On 'The Mo’Nique Show' she told the audience they can get fit, too: 'Because we are determined, dedicated and disciplined to be fit. You can. You can do it'.

Over the past 18 years, Ms Shepherd has run nine marathons and won two bodybuilding contests.

But she wasn't always so fit. Ms Shepherd told the Washington Post she was a 'couh potato' until she was 56 years old, when she and her older sister, Mildred, discovered their bodies had started going soft.

The sisters, who grew up very close in Baltimore as the children of a carpenter and schoolteacher, started working out together at a local centre.

They liked the results, and started pushing themselves, eventually entering some bodybuilding contests.

After Mildred died suddenly of an aneurysm, Ms Shepherd was devastated. Her grief started spiralling out of control, until she remembered a promise and a 'pinkie swear' she had made her older sister.

Champion: Over the past 18 years, Ms Shepherd has run nine marathons and won two bodybuilding contests. She does it in part to remember her late sister, Mildred, who died suddenly of an aneurysm

Teacher: Ms Shepherd leads fitness classes at her church and community centres

Inspiration: Ms Shepherd runs 10 miles a day, and inspires many people in her community and beyond

Pumping iron: Ms Shepherd tells seniors not to be afraid of weight training


The sisters had promised to push themselves to be competitive bodybuilders, and Ms Shepherd decided to keep up that legacy.

So she trains, and eats a restrictive diet, and it helps her remember Mildred.

Their younger sister Bernice, a school principal, told her: 'Every time you feel like you can’t make it, lace up your tennis shoes and get out and go walking'.

According to the Washington Post, when people tell Ms Shepherd she is destined to die soon herself, she says 'We are all going to die.

'But it’s the quality of life while I’m living'.

And when Ms Shepherd's cell phone rings, its the theme from the movie 'Rocky'.

She says Sylvester Stallone is her idol.

Not exactly your typical grandmother.


source:dailymail

Watch out, Pippa! Beautiful Bea is the new Royal Hotness: Princess sizzles at Monaco Grand Prix

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Looking good: Bea shows off the result of her exercise regime in on-trend orange dress and wedge heels


She was the frumpy teenager whose fashion disasters and fuller figure were only too reminiscent of her mother's often-criticised forays into the limelight.

But Princess Beatrice is rapidly metamorphosing into a stunning young Royal ready to snatch even Pippa Middleton's style queen crown.

Showing off her sleek figure in an on-trend orange dress, Fergie and Prince Andrew's 22-year-old daughter looked the epitome of relaxed glamour at the Monaco grand prix.

Her laid back look was accessorised with a narrow belt and neutral coloured wedges which gave her enviably toned legs a little extra length.


Beatrice strolled contentedly around Monte Carlo hand-in-hand with boyfriend Dave Clark, posing for photographs with other race-goers.


Hello, there! Bea and boyfriend Dave Clark look happy in the sunshine as they stroll hand-in-hand at the Grand Prix


She stopped off to chat to Tamara and Petra Ecclestone, the daughters of Formula One mogul Bernie, and then made a suitably superstar departure in a private launch.

Her reinvention seems to have started when she started training for last year's marathon, shedding two stone. She credits a fitness regime based on exercise, lots of water and plenty of fruit and vegetables with keeping the weight off.


Joyful: Dave and his Princess catch the attention of friends


It’s a far cry from the less-than-flattering photographs taken of the princess in a bikini on the beach in St Barts in 2008.

Speaking about the pictures, she said at the time: 'I could probably do with losing the odd pound though, so perhaps it's the kick I need.

'It was such an unflattering bikini and I've got one that's so much nicer, so I could have kicked myself for wearing it.


It's the only way to travel, darling: Beatrice gets a helping hand into the launch


'I thought people were a bit mean, although I know it comes with the territory.
'The trouble is, I don't have much confidence so it can be quite upsetting.'

The Princess's presence added an little extra spice to a particularly glamorous race.

New X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger was in Monaco to support her boyfriend Lewis Hamilton, while rival Jenson Button's girlfriend Jessica Michibata was also trackside.



Loyal: New X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger listens intently to the race


F1 2011 Monaco Grand Prix Pile Up



F1 2011 Monaco Lewis Hamilton "Maybe it's because I'm Black"



source: dailymail

Watch out, Pippa! Beautiful Bea is the new Royal Hotness: Princess sizzles at Monaco Grand Prix

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Looking good: Bea shows off the result of her exercise regime in on-trend orange dress and wedge heels


She was the frumpy teenager whose fashion disasters and fuller figure were only too reminiscent of her mother's often-criticised forays into the limelight.

But Princess Beatrice is rapidly metamorphosing into a stunning young Royal ready to snatch even Pippa Middleton's style queen crown.

Showing off her sleek figure in an on-trend orange dress, Fergie and Prince Andrew's 22-year-old daughter looked the epitome of relaxed glamour at the Monaco grand prix.

Her laid back look was accessorised with a narrow belt and neutral coloured wedges which gave her enviably toned legs a little extra length.


Beatrice strolled contentedly around Monte Carlo hand-in-hand with boyfriend Dave Clark, posing for photographs with other race-goers.


Hello, there! Bea and boyfriend Dave Clark look happy in the sunshine as they stroll hand-in-hand at the Grand Prix


She stopped off to chat to Tamara and Petra Ecclestone, the daughters of Formula One mogul Bernie, and then made a suitably superstar departure in a private launch.

Her reinvention seems to have started when she started training for last year's marathon, shedding two stone. She credits a fitness regime based on exercise, lots of water and plenty of fruit and vegetables with keeping the weight off.


Joyful: Dave and his Princess catch the attention of friends


It’s a far cry from the less-than-flattering photographs taken of the princess in a bikini on the beach in St Barts in 2008.

Speaking about the pictures, she said at the time: 'I could probably do with losing the odd pound though, so perhaps it's the kick I need.

'It was such an unflattering bikini and I've got one that's so much nicer, so I could have kicked myself for wearing it.


It's the only way to travel, darling: Beatrice gets a helping hand into the launch


'I thought people were a bit mean, although I know it comes with the territory.
'The trouble is, I don't have much confidence so it can be quite upsetting.'

The Princess's presence added an little extra spice to a particularly glamorous race.

New X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger was in Monaco to support her boyfriend Lewis Hamilton, while rival Jenson Button's girlfriend Jessica Michibata was also trackside.



Loyal: New X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger listens intently to the race


F1 2011 Monaco Grand Prix Pile Up



F1 2011 Monaco Lewis Hamilton "Maybe it's because I'm Black"



source: dailymail

Watch out, Pippa! Beautiful Bea is the new Royal Hotness: Princess sizzles at Monaco Grand Prix

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Looking good: Bea shows off the result of her exercise regime in on-trend orange dress and wedge heels


She was the frumpy teenager whose fashion disasters and fuller figure were only too reminiscent of her mother's often-criticised forays into the limelight.

But Princess Beatrice is rapidly metamorphosing into a stunning young Royal ready to snatch even Pippa Middleton's style queen crown.

Showing off her sleek figure in an on-trend orange dress, Fergie and Prince Andrew's 22-year-old daughter looked the epitome of relaxed glamour at the Monaco grand prix.

Her laid back look was accessorised with a narrow belt and neutral coloured wedges which gave her enviably toned legs a little extra length.


Beatrice strolled contentedly around Monte Carlo hand-in-hand with boyfriend Dave Clark, posing for photographs with other race-goers.


Hello, there! Bea and boyfriend Dave Clark look happy in the sunshine as they stroll hand-in-hand at the Grand Prix


She stopped off to chat to Tamara and Petra Ecclestone, the daughters of Formula One mogul Bernie, and then made a suitably superstar departure in a private launch.

Her reinvention seems to have started when she started training for last year's marathon, shedding two stone. She credits a fitness regime based on exercise, lots of water and plenty of fruit and vegetables with keeping the weight off.


Joyful: Dave and his Princess catch the attention of friends


It’s a far cry from the less-than-flattering photographs taken of the princess in a bikini on the beach in St Barts in 2008.

Speaking about the pictures, she said at the time: 'I could probably do with losing the odd pound though, so perhaps it's the kick I need.

'It was such an unflattering bikini and I've got one that's so much nicer, so I could have kicked myself for wearing it.


It's the only way to travel, darling: Beatrice gets a helping hand into the launch


'I thought people were a bit mean, although I know it comes with the territory.
'The trouble is, I don't have much confidence so it can be quite upsetting.'

The Princess's presence added an little extra spice to a particularly glamorous race.

New X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger was in Monaco to support her boyfriend Lewis Hamilton, while rival Jenson Button's girlfriend Jessica Michibata was also trackside.



Loyal: New X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger listens intently to the race


F1 2011 Monaco Grand Prix Pile Up



F1 2011 Monaco Lewis Hamilton "Maybe it's because I'm Black"



source: dailymail

Watch out, Pippa! Beautiful Bea is the new Royal Hotness: Princess sizzles at Monaco Grand Prix

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Looking good: Bea shows off the result of her exercise regime in on-trend orange dress and wedge heels


She was the frumpy teenager whose fashion disasters and fuller figure were only too reminiscent of her mother's often-criticised forays into the limelight.

But Princess Beatrice is rapidly metamorphosing into a stunning young Royal ready to snatch even Pippa Middleton's style queen crown.

Showing off her sleek figure in an on-trend orange dress, Fergie and Prince Andrew's 22-year-old daughter looked the epitome of relaxed glamour at the Monaco grand prix.

Her laid back look was accessorised with a narrow belt and neutral coloured wedges which gave her enviably toned legs a little extra length.


Beatrice strolled contentedly around Monte Carlo hand-in-hand with boyfriend Dave Clark, posing for photographs with other race-goers.


Hello, there! Bea and boyfriend Dave Clark look happy in the sunshine as they stroll hand-in-hand at the Grand Prix


She stopped off to chat to Tamara and Petra Ecclestone, the daughters of Formula One mogul Bernie, and then made a suitably superstar departure in a private launch.

Her reinvention seems to have started when she started training for last year's marathon, shedding two stone. She credits a fitness regime based on exercise, lots of water and plenty of fruit and vegetables with keeping the weight off.


Joyful: Dave and his Princess catch the attention of friends


It’s a far cry from the less-than-flattering photographs taken of the princess in a bikini on the beach in St Barts in 2008.

Speaking about the pictures, she said at the time: 'I could probably do with losing the odd pound though, so perhaps it's the kick I need.

'It was such an unflattering bikini and I've got one that's so much nicer, so I could have kicked myself for wearing it.


It's the only way to travel, darling: Beatrice gets a helping hand into the launch


'I thought people were a bit mean, although I know it comes with the territory.
'The trouble is, I don't have much confidence so it can be quite upsetting.'

The Princess's presence added an little extra spice to a particularly glamorous race.

New X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger was in Monaco to support her boyfriend Lewis Hamilton, while rival Jenson Button's girlfriend Jessica Michibata was also trackside.



Loyal: New X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger listens intently to the race


F1 2011 Monaco Grand Prix Pile Up



F1 2011 Monaco Lewis Hamilton "Maybe it's because I'm Black"



source: dailymail

Watch out, Pippa! Beautiful Bea is the new Royal Hotness: Princess sizzles at Monaco Grand Prix

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Looking good: Bea shows off the result of her exercise regime in on-trend orange dress and wedge heels


She was the frumpy teenager whose fashion disasters and fuller figure were only too reminiscent of her mother's often-criticised forays into the limelight.

But Princess Beatrice is rapidly metamorphosing into a stunning young Royal ready to snatch even Pippa Middleton's style queen crown.

Showing off her sleek figure in an on-trend orange dress, Fergie and Prince Andrew's 22-year-old daughter looked the epitome of relaxed glamour at the Monaco grand prix.

Her laid back look was accessorised with a narrow belt and neutral coloured wedges which gave her enviably toned legs a little extra length.


Beatrice strolled contentedly around Monte Carlo hand-in-hand with boyfriend Dave Clark, posing for photographs with other race-goers.


Hello, there! Bea and boyfriend Dave Clark look happy in the sunshine as they stroll hand-in-hand at the Grand Prix


She stopped off to chat to Tamara and Petra Ecclestone, the daughters of Formula One mogul Bernie, and then made a suitably superstar departure in a private launch.

Her reinvention seems to have started when she started training for last year's marathon, shedding two stone. She credits a fitness regime based on exercise, lots of water and plenty of fruit and vegetables with keeping the weight off.


Joyful: Dave and his Princess catch the attention of friends


It’s a far cry from the less-than-flattering photographs taken of the princess in a bikini on the beach in St Barts in 2008.

Speaking about the pictures, she said at the time: 'I could probably do with losing the odd pound though, so perhaps it's the kick I need.

'It was such an unflattering bikini and I've got one that's so much nicer, so I could have kicked myself for wearing it.


It's the only way to travel, darling: Beatrice gets a helping hand into the launch


'I thought people were a bit mean, although I know it comes with the territory.
'The trouble is, I don't have much confidence so it can be quite upsetting.'

The Princess's presence added an little extra spice to a particularly glamorous race.

New X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger was in Monaco to support her boyfriend Lewis Hamilton, while rival Jenson Button's girlfriend Jessica Michibata was also trackside.



Loyal: New X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger listens intently to the race


F1 2011 Monaco Grand Prix Pile Up



F1 2011 Monaco Lewis Hamilton "Maybe it's because I'm Black"



source: dailymail

Watch out, Pippa! Beautiful Bea is the new Royal Hotness: Princess sizzles at Monaco Grand Prix

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Looking good: Bea shows off the result of her exercise regime in on-trend orange dress and wedge heels


She was the frumpy teenager whose fashion disasters and fuller figure were only too reminiscent of her mother's often-criticised forays into the limelight.

But Princess Beatrice is rapidly metamorphosing into a stunning young Royal ready to snatch even Pippa Middleton's style queen crown.

Showing off her sleek figure in an on-trend orange dress, Fergie and Prince Andrew's 22-year-old daughter looked the epitome of relaxed glamour at the Monaco grand prix.

Her laid back look was accessorised with a narrow belt and neutral coloured wedges which gave her enviably toned legs a little extra length.


Beatrice strolled contentedly around Monte Carlo hand-in-hand with boyfriend Dave Clark, posing for photographs with other race-goers.


Hello, there! Bea and boyfriend Dave Clark look happy in the sunshine as they stroll hand-in-hand at the Grand Prix


She stopped off to chat to Tamara and Petra Ecclestone, the daughters of Formula One mogul Bernie, and then made a suitably superstar departure in a private launch.

Her reinvention seems to have started when she started training for last year's marathon, shedding two stone. She credits a fitness regime based on exercise, lots of water and plenty of fruit and vegetables with keeping the weight off.


Joyful: Dave and his Princess catch the attention of friends


It’s a far cry from the less-than-flattering photographs taken of the princess in a bikini on the beach in St Barts in 2008.

Speaking about the pictures, she said at the time: 'I could probably do with losing the odd pound though, so perhaps it's the kick I need.

'It was such an unflattering bikini and I've got one that's so much nicer, so I could have kicked myself for wearing it.


It's the only way to travel, darling: Beatrice gets a helping hand into the launch


'I thought people were a bit mean, although I know it comes with the territory.
'The trouble is, I don't have much confidence so it can be quite upsetting.'

The Princess's presence added an little extra spice to a particularly glamorous race.

New X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger was in Monaco to support her boyfriend Lewis Hamilton, while rival Jenson Button's girlfriend Jessica Michibata was also trackside.



Loyal: New X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger listens intently to the race


F1 2011 Monaco Grand Prix Pile Up



F1 2011 Monaco Lewis Hamilton "Maybe it's because I'm Black"



source: dailymail

Another quiet night for Harry and Eugenie... Drink-stained pair leave nightclub looking dishevelled

By MAIL ON SUNDAY REPORTER

Party's over: Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie leave the nightclub. Drinkstains can be seen on his sleeve and on her outfit


At the Royal Wedding they looked immaculate, but as Prince Harry and his cousin Princess Eugenie tumbled out of London’s trendy Public nightclub early yesterday, they were distinctly dishevelled.

Harry, dressed in jeans and a blue open-neck shirt with a grey T-shirt underneath, appeared to have drink stains on his right sleeve.

Eugenie, meanwhile, wore a frilly blue mini-dress – with stains on the front – and a black leather jacket with matching ankle boots.


Worse for wear: A drink stain covers the front of Princess Eugenie's blue dress as she leaves a nightclub at 2.30am after partying with Prince Harry


Harry has rarely been seen out in London since the Royal Wedding, but he spent several hours at the club in Chelsea on Friday night.

Run by the Prince’s friend Guy Pelly, Public nightclub – set in an old antiques warehouse – is a favourite haunt of celebrities.

A jeroboam of best champagne costs £6,000 while a bottle of vodka can go for up to £1,250.


Prince Harry leaves a nightclub in the early hours of the morning his eyes partially closed and the bottom of his shirt undone as he is accompanied by his protection officers

source: dailymail

Otter-ly adorable! Boy racing sea otter at San Diego Zoo is an internet sensation

By JENNIFER MADISON

New pals: A toddler has become an instant internet sensation after a video of the boy racing a sea otter went viral


You could say they got on swimmingly.

A toddler has become an instant internet sensation after a video of the boy racing a sea otter went viral.

The video of the boy playing chase with a sea otter at the San Diego Zoo has scored over 1million hits in less than one week's time.

The video - the only uploaded by YouTube user mmoyerssd1 - was posted last Sunday and quickly caught the attention of animal fans around the world.

It shows a blond little boy running back and forth alongside the California zoo's sea otter tank, side-by-side with his new pal.



Somersaults in the sun: The otter, feeling quite social, playfully follows his every move even as the boy tries to trick his new mate


The otter, feeling quite social, playfully follows his every move even as the boy tries to trick his new mate.

The marine mammal is seen doing an underwater somersault in a bid to catch up and give chase in the opposite direction.

The boy giggles in response, running back and forth as passers-by laugh in delight.


San Diego Zoo: One of the largest in the world with with over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species, it is known for its many friendly characters


The zoo - one of the largest in the world with with over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species - has become widely-known for its many friendly characters.

In March, a playful young panda bear named Su Lin grabbed headlines after cameras caught her having a roll in the snow and sticking her tongue out at spectators.

And last year Otis the hippo became a sensation after beaming a smile for visitors' photos as they posed next to his tank.


Playing with an Otter-1


source: dailymail

Barcelona 3 Manchester United 1: Pedro, Lionel Messi and David Villa crown Barca kings of Europe

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER


Joining the greats: Victor Valdes, Xavi and Eric Abidal toast another memorable night for the kings of Europe


For the second time in three years, brilliant Barcelona denied Manchester United Champions League glory with a sensational performance at Wembley.

Although United could take some small consolation from the knowledge they were more effective than that 2009 letdown in Rome and even managed to level Pedro's first-half strike through Wayne Rooney, once again the better team won.

On the ground where the Catalans lifted their first European Cup, Lionel Messi also laid his personal ghost to rest, scoring his first goal for Barcelona on English soil, belting home what proved to be the winner nine minutes into the second half.


The untouchables: Wayne rooney looks stunned as Barca celebrate at the final whistle


David Villa curled home an equally splendid third with just over 20 minutes to go to set the seal on Barcelona's fourth Champions League win and end all arguments about their right to be regarded among the truly great teams that have ever played the game.


Sealing the deal: David Villa curls in Barcelona's third goal


It was a gut-wrenching night for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who started it by making one of those brave decisions for which he is so renowned. Not even finding a place on the bench for his record signing and top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov, was a big call.

United could not have made a better start either. Park Ji-sung set the tone, nipping in to whip the ball away from Dani Alves.


The Little Maestro strikes: Lionel Messi surprises the United rearguard, firing Barca 2-1 ahead


Just as Jack Wilshere advised, the white shirts got right in Barcelona's faces, pressing them, allowing no room for them to settle.

Unlike two years ago, Ferguson's team did not create a clear-cut chance.

However, former Red Devil Gerard Pique was very fortunate to get away with a back pass to Victor Valdes, when his goalkeeper was much closer than he realised.

With Javier Hernandez closing in, Valdes scrambled the ball away.


Mixed emotions: As Messi wheels away, United get that sinking feeling


It was the template United needed to follow. To have done it for the entire 90 minutes would have required additional lung capacity. And once Barcelona got into their stride, they were relentless.

For once Ryan Giggs looked every one of those 37 years as Xavi and Andres Iniesta flashed around him, holes appearing everywhere.

Pedro prodded wide at the near post. Villa hit exactly the same point in the advertising hoarding with a 20-yard effort that had Edwin van der Sar scrambling.



Magic moment: Wayne Rooney linked up with Ryan Giggs to restore parity with this magnificent strike


If there was one consolation, other than Nemanja Vidic's colossal performance at the heart of their defence, it was that United had prevented Messi running at them from deep.

Unfortunately, he soon started doing it, his close control near-perfect, as was a Vidic lunge to stop the world's best player as he was about to break clean through.

It was just a matter of time. Another hole for Xavi to chase into. He looked. He looked again. He rolled the ball to Pedro, who beat Van der Sar with ease.


Falling behind: Edwin van der Sar looks ruefully at his net after Pedro (unsighted) gave the Catalans the advantage


Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola sat back, sensing United would not be able to respond. His opposite number urged more from his team, particularly Antonio Valencia.

The Ecuador wide man was not at his best. However, it was Rooney who needed a performance on the biggest stage, having failed so miserably at the World Cup.

And it was Rooney who delivered at the end of a move which saw the Premier League champions carve Barcelona open with their own game.


Disappointing evening: Javier Hernandez failed to shine in the Wembley spotlight


A quick pass from Fabio to Rooney, to Michael Carrick, to Rooney, to Giggs, to Rooney, into the corner from 15 yards. Simple.

Football is never that. Not at this level, and not when Messi is involved.

You had to feel sorry for United. Barcelona were back into their rhythm almost immediately after the break, the concentration required to always be in the right place at the right time phenomenal.


Mutual respect: Sir Alex Ferguson congratulates his victorious opponents


After more stoic defending, Iniesta rolled a pass to the Argentinian, a worthy heir to Diego Maradona.

Offered a couple of yards to dart into, he did exactly that, then beat Van der Sar with a 20-yard shot that required barely any back lift, the veteran Dutchman unable to get down to it.

Vidic was on hand to hack away when Van der Sar spilled Messi's next effort, although, playing in his fifth final, the former Ajax man redeemed himself when he brilliantly turned away a Xavi shot that would have ripped away any hope.


Pulling the strings: United had no answer to the brilliance of Xavi, pictured setting up Pedro's opener


By introducing Nani for Fabio and pushing Valencia to full-back, the United boss was attempting to push Barcelona towards their own goal.

Before the strategy could be applied, Nani committed suicide by gifting the ball to Messi by the touchline.



Food for thought: Rooney and Ryan Giggs contemplate another defeat at the hands of Barcelona


In attempting to atone for his error, the winger made it worse.

Sergio Busquets quickly laid the ball off to Villa, who took one touch before curling a sublime shot into the top corner.

From that hammer blow, there was no way back.


source: dailymail