Sir Alex expects final to savour

Sir Alex Ferguson believes that his Manchester United FC team's Rome showdown with FC Barcelona has all the ingredients for a "fantastic" UEFA Champions League final.

Profile
Looking ahead to the 27 May contest between the newly crowned champions of England and Spain, Sir Alex said: "The profile of the final is very good and I hope it lives up to that. When you see the players that Barcelona have got and you see the players Manchester United have got, it deserves a good final and I hope it will be.

Positive feeling
"European finals can be disappointing. If you look at the results over the years it can be a disappointing game – nil-nils, penalties – though I've a feeling it won't be the way that Wednesday. When we get a game of football that paints a real story of football then we're all happy about it and Barcelona and Manchester United can do that in this final. I think it will be a fantastic final. We are playing a team with fantastic philosophy of football and a great history."

'Encouragement'
United midfielder Ryan Giggs concurred with his manager, saying: "It's the dream final – two massive clubs with massive histories, who play football the right way and have so many individuals. Everyone is looking forward to it, including the players." Yet Sir Alex, who is seeking to add to triumphs in 1999 and 2008, admitted he had taken encouragement from watching Chelsea FC make life difficult for Josep Guardiola's Barcelona side in a closely fought semi-final. "I watched their game against Real Madrid [a 6-2 away win] which was an absolutely magnificent performance. I said to myself, 'Christ, we have to play them possibly'. But then Chelsea showed they can be beaten so I take some encouragement from that."

O'Shea place
Speaking at United's Carrington training ground, the United manager said that John O'Shea, an unused substitute in last season's final against Chelsea, would start at the Stadio Olimpico. Describing the Republic of Ireland defender as one of his "unsung heroes", the Scot praised O'Shea – scorer of the only goal of the semi-final first leg against Arsenal FC – for his efforts at right-back this year. He said: "Because of the injuries to Gary Neville and Wes Brown this year he has become a permanent fixture. He takes his place in Rome because he deserves it."

Ferdinand concern
Yet Sir Alex could not confirm whether Rio Ferdinand, absent for the last three games, would have overcome his calf injury in time to face Barcelona. "I am hoping he will be fit for [Sunday's game against Hull City AFC]. If not he is doutbful for Wednesday that is for sure, because he needs a game."