Manchester United's last Champions League final appearance came in 2011. 

That season they were blown away by an incredible Barcelona side that included the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, David Villa, Pedro and Sergio Busquets - all in their prime.  

Sir Alex Ferguson's side put up a strong fight when the two teams met at Wembley eight years ago, but it was the Blaugrana who came out on top, winning 3-1. 

Pep Guardiola's side were simply unstoppable that season, romping to the La Liga title alongside the Champions League. 

So how exactly did their opponents try to stop that team full of superstars? Well, former United defender Rio Ferdinand has explained how his side tried to do so.

Ahead of yesterday's Premier League action, the defender turned pundit re-analysed Ferguson's tactics in that 2011 final and it makes for fascinating viewing. 

In fact, he even claims he didn't agree with the tactics used by the legendary boss that evening.

"I didn't agree. I voiced my opinion, but at the time you're confident in a man like Alex Ferguson," Ferdinand said on BT Sport. 

"I said pressing them was going to be difficult, it's hard. They did us in Rome. In that midfield in Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets, they probably had three of the top six players in the world, Iniesta too... 

"Me and Nemanja Vidic used to speak a lot about stuff like that, I thought we were going to get outnumbered in midfield.

"We were used to playing a 4-3-3 or a 4-5-1, where we would soak up some pressure and hit teams on the break.

"I thought our forward players could do that to this Barcelona team, but we never gave ourselves the opportunity." 

Check out the full analysis below, in which Ferdinand also breaks down some of Barca's attacking moves: 

That's just fascinating. Man United were a brilliant team in 2011, but Messi and co. were absolutely untouchable.