Fergie not bothered by favourite status
Sir Alex Ferguson does not believe Barcelona's status as favourites ahead of this weekend's Champions League final offers them any advantage.
Manchester United find themselves in the rare position of being underdogs for Saturday's Wembley showpiece, even though they have just claimed a record 19th title.
However, with memories of the one-sided encounter in Rome two years ago when the Catalans eased to victory, it is Barca who are expected to win.
Ferguson believes concentration will be the key to an improved outcome. He prefers to dwell on the two meetings with Barcelona in the 2008 semi-final, when United were able to keep a pair of clean sheets, as the template his side must work towards.
Ferguson, whilst recognising Lionel Messi's brilliance, is refusing to single out the Argentina star for special attention.
Ferguson was asked about the importance of Ryan Giggs to his team. However, it was immediately obvious the United boss was not interested in discussing the Welshman, who was named in the House of Commons on Monday as the person at the centre of a privacy case.
United's meeting with Barcelona will be the third Champions League final they have featured in since the Glazers took control of the club.
Manchester United's Scholes: "Barca the ultimate team"
United will meet the La Liga champions at Wembley on May 28, on what promises to be yet another magical European night.
Barcelona head into the final as favourites and Scholes has revealed the admiration he has for Pep Guardiola's men.
Saturday's final is a repeat of the 2009 summit clash between the two sides. United were outplayed on that occasion, but Scholes is hopeful things will be different this time round.
If United end up winning, it will be a perfect end to what has been a great season thus far for the Premier League champions.
Barcelona's Pep Guardiola: "Manchester United are one of the best teams in the world"
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has described Manchester United as one of the best teams in the world as he looks ahead to the Champions League final on Saturday.
Barcelona’s Lionel Messi: "Do not underestimate Manchester United"
Lionel Messi has warned against underestimating the strength of their Champions League final opponents Manchester United.
The Spanish champions take on their English counterparts in the final of Europe’s premier club competition at Wembley in London on Saturday evening in a repeat finale of 2008-09.
Two years ago Barcelona defeated United 2-0 in Rome, thanks to goals from Samuel Eto'o and Messi, and will once again start this year’s final as favourites.
Messi, though, believes that it will be unfair to write off Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, who won a record 19th Premier League title this campaign.
Manchester United and Barcelona have won the European Cup three times each.
via goal.com | espnstar.com
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