'We Are Much More Mature' - Sir Alex - United Latest

'We Are Much More Mature' - Sir Alex 27/05/2011

Sir Alex Ferguson talks about UEFA Champions League Final

Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United are not looking to exact revenge over FC Barcelona on Saturday in this season's UEFA Champions League Final, but believes his side are better equipped to deal with the La Liga Champions. Barca had the last laugh in 2009, but the boss thinks it will be different this time...

Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi scored in Rome against The Red Devils in the 2009 European Cup Final, which Barcelona won by 2-0. United were criticised for their preparation among other faults, failing to retain the Champions League which they had claimed against Chelsea in 2008. In 2011, Sir Alex Ferguson's side are heading into their 3rd European Final in 4 years, hoping to lift their 3rd Cup since the 1999 win over Bayern Munich.

Gaffer Sir Alex admits his men were not on the ball two years ago in the Stadio Olimpico, but states The Reds have since matured into better footballers. Despite the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid and Carlos Tevez to Manchester City since the 2009 finale, United are by far a better 'team', with partnerships working further across the board and more teamwork visible in performances since the previous loss to Barca in the Champions League Final.

"If we perform well we have a great chance," Ferguson told the media in London on Friday evening. "I think we have players who will like this stage. We are much more mature, and in terms of Wayne Rooney's progress as a player in Europe, he is much more mature than he was in 2009. Other players too, like the experience of these two lads beside me (Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand), are vital to us..."

Manchester United squad in UEFA Champions League Final suits at Carrington, Manchester

"Barcelona have fantastic qualities and I think our qualities will show through too, which could make it a really good game. We're very focused this time," the boss added. "I think our preparation has been better. We always recognise the qualities of our opponents. It is unwise to go into a game not preparing for how a team play, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. Every team gets that respect from us."

"But - of course - we always focus on what we can do ourselves, and we have plenty to offer because we have players that can do that." Sir Alex added, speaking ahead of the Wembley showdown.

Barcelona v Manchester United will be shown live on both Sky Sports 1 and ITV 1, in High Definition (HD) and Three-Dimensional (3D). Kick-off will take place at the usual late time of 7:45pm, taking place on a Saturday. FIFA Referee Viktor Kassai, 35, from Hungary will preside over the game at Wembley, where the spotlight will be on the gamesmanship of Josep Guardiola's men, who have a history of play-acting in this competition.

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Comments

Andy Mara

27/05/2011 6:32pm

If they play like they did against Chelsea to secure the win for their place in this final we have a good chance. If they play like they did against Chelsea to secure just needing one point to win #19, we have a GREAT chance!!

Glory Glory, Win Lose Draw . . . M.U.F.C are champions to me!!

Jules

27/05/2011 6:48pm

Cum on boys bring the tittle back wer it belongs!!!

Arfaan11

27/05/2011 6:59pm

Yes barca r a gr8 team but not invincible,inter managed 2 bt them last season over 2 legs,we jus gotta b positive n give it a real go.best form of defence is 2 jus attack.COME ON UTD BELIEVE

walent

27/05/2011 10:17pm

Go united go for glory

Pauli

27/05/2011 10:47pm

I honestly wud start wiv Bebe on wing

Sean 123 Mufc

27/05/2011 11:27pm

ATTACK ATTACK I SAY / GO AT THEM FROM THE OFF . BUY THE WAY DID ASHELY YOUNG NOT POP UP TODAY ON Talk Sport I WAS TOLD A NEWSPAPER WOULD BRING THE STORY BUT AS GOOD AS . ALL RIGHT TWO DAYS ONE DAY LATE .

19dime86

28/05/2011 12:27am

It's 90 mins of football any one can win. arsenal beat them over 90 mins so we deffo can we need to press fast and hard rattle a few cages if need be. we don't want to leave gaps between midfield and defence that's what barca are good at exploiting them gaps and can murder you. If we get that part right we will win. UNITED TILL I DIE!!!! And bebe wtf u serious ????????

Jumari

28/05/2011 3:08am

I want champions league trophy number 4 and 5,6,7,8........,.......

Karthik

28/05/2011 5:08am

Fergie is the man !!! He is GOd !!

Comments are closed.