Champions League 
/ Dan Thomas / 27 May 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Lionel Messi was picked by 98% of the 20,000 people who picked their Europe's Ultimate XI
"As sponsors to both finalists, we are delighted to announce a team that pays tribute to the incredible performances of both clubs this season.”
Lionel Messi was named in a whopping 98% of teams as football fans around the world voted on the best hybrid line-up of FC Barcelona and Manchester United players, ahead of the Champions League Final between the two clubs.
Through the specially-created Europe's Ultimate XI microsite, more than 20,000 punters answered the call from Betfair, who sponsor both clubs, to select their dream starting XI from both finalists.
And the process has produced a mouth-watering team worth an estimated £1 billion in transfer value.
With fans of both clubs involved, loyalties were put to the test as supporters weighed-up the credentials of naming their favourite stars, or replacing them with the opposition.
United centre back Nemanja Vidic was perhaps surprisingly the most frequently-picked defender from both squads, with 81% selecting the Serbian.
More unexpected was that Vidic was the surprise choice as most popular Manchester United player, edging ahead of England star Wayne Rooney, who earned a starting place in 78% of teams.
In midfield, despite being the subject of intense media attention, Ryan Giggs received backing of fans all over the globe. Nearly six in ten (59%) of would-be managers selected the Welsh winger in their fantasy formation.
And, despite enjoying cult hero status with Barca fans for his trophy-laden spells as player and manager, Pep Guardiola was no match for the experience of Sir Alex Ferguson, with more than six out of ten Spaniards choosing the Knight of the Realm as boss.
Europe's Ultimate XI: (4-3-3 formation)
Sir Alex Ferguson
Edwin Van der Sar
Dani Alves
Gerard Pique
Nemanja Vidic
Eric Abidal
Xavi Hernadez
Andres Iniesta
Ryan Giggs
Lionel Messi
Wayne Rooney
David Villa
Betfair's Leo Thompson said: "Our customers and football fans everywhere have had their say, and come up with an awe inspiring and unbeatable line-up of talent. As sponsors to both finalists, we are delighted to announce a team that pays tribute to the incredible performances of both clubs this season."
There's still time to pick your own ultimate XI and share it via Facebook and Twitter. For more information visit: europesultimatexi.betfair.com
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