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Both Manchester United and Chelsea are involved in a Premiership-Champions Leagu Final double-header which could see them cover themselves in glory - or end up with nothing. Two of our writers debate whether it would be an injustice if United end with the trophy cupboard bare . . .

YES says Nick Jackson

MANCHESTER United are the team that many Wanderers fans love to hate.

But loathe them or not, the inescapable reality is that, unlike their closest rivals, they strike the perfect balance between a team that gets the job done - and that means winning - and entertainment.

For that reason alone, it would be a travesty of footballing justice if they were to end up like beautiful, but ultimately trophy-less, Arsenal.

Reader Poll Would it be an injustice if Manchester United won nothing? YES 81.7% NO 18.3%

Moreover, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson - clearly a brilliant motivator - has remained steadfastly true to the longstanding playing culture of the club which has been built up since they were one of the first clubs to embark on European football in the 1950s.

Indeed, in the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, it would be a fitting tribute to the United forefathers.

Granted, they were passed off the park by Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final second leg at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils did the most important thing.

They hit the back of the net - and what a goal that Paul Scholes strike was.

Call me old fashioned, but one particular thing about them I approve of is that so many of Ferguson's key players are British - Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Owen Hargreaves, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and Irishman John O'Shea.

OK, their rivals for silverware on the Premier League and Champions League front, Chelsea, have John Terry, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Wayne Bridge, and Shaun Wright-Phillips. What sticks in my craw - along with many fans of clubs like Bolton, of which, believe it or not, I am one - is the Roman Abramovich factor.

At least, United's supreme wealth has been achieved over a long period of success in which they have gained world popularity by trying to play football the way it should be played and building up a massive fan base.

Their status as probably the most popular club in the world has not come about by magic.

But with Chelsea, it's different. Abramovich has come in and invested his millions, without which the London club would be nowhere. When Blackburn Rovers won the Premier League, with their late benefactor Jack Walker bankrolling them, I didn't like that either, but at least he was a lifelong fan of the club.

And the other thing I don't like about Chelsea is the way their players have recently tried to bully referees, as if winning was their divine right.

If I had my way, players who indulge in that sort of behavour would be sent off, as would happen in both rugby codes.

I know you Wanderers fans out there aren't going to like it, but when it comes to Moscow and the Premier League title, it's going to be: "Come on you Reds!"

NO says Marc Higginson

IF Manchester United end the season empty-handed it is because they are not good enough.

The format of the Premier League is such that the best team always comes through after 38 games.

The Champions League is a bit more of a lottery, but the two best teams in Europe have got to the final this season. And it will be fascinating to see which team is better in a straight showdown.

Just because Manchester United have played entertaining football all season doesn't make them rightful champions. If that was the case, Kevin Keegan would have brought silverware to St James' Park.

In contrast to United's style is Chelsea's substance. United might be better to watch but Chelsea, as it stands, are just as effective.

Managers have to make the best of their lot, and that is why United and Chelsea play the way they do.

Avram Grant has been unfairly lambasted for his cautious style of play, but this has been by the same supporters and hacks that labelled Jose Mourinho "The Special One". Mourinho ended Chelsea's 50-year itch for the title with the same style of play as Grant, and few got on his back.

United fans are fortunate that they have a manager in Sir Alex Ferguson who has moulded together a team that has real style and panache. However, that doesn't mean they deserve the title.

And, as much as United have been pleasing on the eye this season, there is still an ugly underbelly to their play. Nani's headbutt on Lucas Neill last Saturday was inexcusable. However, what was even worse was his feigning of injury to try to avoid a red card.

Granted ,Chelsea also have a sinister side which is epitomised by the constant diving of Didier Drogba.

Both sides have their faults, just like the 18 other teams in the Premier League, but just because one team has more faults than the other doesn't mean they deserve to finish second. Neither does their style of play.

The rules at the start of the season are clear - whoever earns the most points wins the league. In the event that there is a tie for a position, goal difference comes into account.

If United win the league because of their superior goal difference, they deserve the title and they have got their reward for their attacking brilliance.

However, if they don't win the league, nobody should deny that Chelsea deserve to win it.

Chelsea have come from nowhere to catapult themselves into contention on the final day and that character should be lauded just as much as United's forward play.

A champion team will emerge this weekend. Whether they play entertaining football or not is just a side issue.

6:51pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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