Monday, June 6, 2011

Rooney can edge it, says Ferguson

Venue: Wembley Stadium, LondonDate: Saturday, 28 MayKick-off: 1945 BSTCoverage: Live commentary and full reports on BBC Radio 5 live & the BBC Sport website; live television coverage on ITV1 and Sky Sports 1Ferguson praises adversary Guardiola

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson thinks Wayne Rooney can give them the edge over Barcelona in the Champions League final at Wembley.

Ferguson said United are well prepared and - if they perform - "have a great chance" of reversing their loss in the 2009 final, when Rooney was subdued.

"We have players who will all like this stage," added the Scot.

"In terms of Rooney's progress in Europe, he is much more mature than he was in 2009. And others too."

Ferguson added: "The experience of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic is [also] vital.

"Our [overall] experience, and our progress in Europe this season, gives us a good chance.

"Barcelona have fantastic qualities but I think our qualities will show through as well, which could make it a really good game."

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We are very focused this time and our preparation has been better. We maybe made one or two mistakes last time, but not this time

Sir Alex Ferguson

Ferguson - who won the Champions League with United in 1999 and 2008 - admitted that errors may have been made before the 2009 final defeat but they have now been rectified ahead of Saturday's final against the same opposition.

"We are very focused this time and our preparation has been better. We maybe made one or two mistakes last time, but not this time.

"We were disappointed we lost the game but it isn't a matter of revenge, it is about our own personal pride."

The Red Devils - yet to concede an away goal in Europe this season - wrapped up a record 19th domestic title against Blackburn on 14 May and Ferguson explained they have put the time since to good use.

"We did most of the work before the Blackpool game [last Sunday] - and winning the league the previous week helped us that way.

Continue reading the main story Man Utd beat Barcelona 2-1 in May 1991 to lift the European Cup Winners' Cup Barcelona beat Man Utd 4-0 in a Champions League group match in Nov 1994Man Utd 3-3 Barcelona in a Champions League group game in Sept 1998Barcelona 3-3 Man Utd in the return match in Nov 1998Man Utd beat Barcelona 1-0 in the Champions League semi-final second leg to reach the 2008 finalBarcelona beat Man Utd 2-0 in the 2009 Champions League final in Rome

"The players have to trust themselves and trust each other because I trust them. I know they'll do the job right.

"This team has unity and our record in Europe this year is good. We're used to playing in Europe, we have that experience and we're pleased with what we've achieved this year in Europe."

Also champions of their domestic league, Barcelona are now being considered as one of the greatest clubs sides of all time, with Fifa world player of the year Lionel Messi in their ranks - alongside an influential band of Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning team.

But - with both clubs aiming for their fourth triumph in Europe's top club competition - Ferguson is undaunted.

"There could be a lot of excitement, there'll be a lot of good football," he said.

"We recognise the quality of our opponents: it's unwise to go into a game not preparing for how your opponents play, their strengths and weaknesses.

"But we always focus on what we can do ourselves. And we hope to attack - we have players who can do that."

Despite that focus on his own team, Ferguson did have praise for opposite number Pep Guardiola ahead of the game.

The former Barcelona midfielder was the youngest coach to win the Champions League when his side beat United in 2009, as they completing a league, cup and European treble in his first season - since when they have got stronger.

"For a young coach, he's changed the way they play and brought a maturity to the team," said Ferguson.

"From beating us in Rome to the present day, you can see that maturity.

"He's changed the way they press the ball; for a young coach he's done fantastically well and has a good presence. He played for Barcelona, which helps, and with the history of Dutch coaches there, he's made a big step forward for Spanish coaches."


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