Excuse No. 1: Rooney's stolen boots

How could United expect to contend after Wayne Rooney had his boots stolen. The guy had to play in the Champions League final barefoot?*

Not fair.

“This was either an opportunistic crime by someone who knew the worth of these boots, or sabotage by a Barcelona fan."

I think it was Tevez. Or Sven.

(* -- tongue in cheek)