Source: Telegraph
Manchester United's Federico Macheda dreams of final date with Barcelona
Champions League final
Barcelona v Manchester United
Kick-off: Wed May 27, 7.45pm, Olympic Stadium, Rome, Italy
TV: Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports HD1, ITV1, ITV HD
Radio: BBC Radio Five Live
The Rome-born teenager, who scored two crucial goals in the Premier League run-in, is vying for a place on the bench in the Stadio Olimpico.
But despite earning widespread acclaim for his two goals against Aston Villa and Sunderland last month, Macheda admits he still has plenty to do before he can consider himself a regular squad member at United.
Macheda said: "It's a dream I've had many times in the last few days me with the champions in my own stadium.
"I hope it happens, but I don't even know if I will be on the bench. United have many great players and there is a big competition for places. It would be fantastic playing for just a few minutes.
"Here in Manchester, people think I am a hero, but I have only scored two goals in the Premier League. I have done nothing and I must show my value.
"The most beautiful things arrive now and it is necessary to keep my head on my shoulders and continue playing football."
Rio Ferdinand says there is "no chance" of injury ruling him out of the game in Rome and claims United's trip to Japan for last December's Fifa Club World Cup has proved the launch-pad for their surge towards an unprecedented quadruple.
United returned from the gruelling two-game trip to the Far East as world champions after defeating LDU Quito in Yokohama, but they returned to England trailing Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title.
Sir Alex Ferguson's team embarked on an 11-game winning streak in the league on their return from Japan a run which ultimately proved decisive as they held off Liverpool's challenge to claim an 18th league title.
And Ferdinand insists that the much-criticised jaunt to Japan was a huge fillip for the United players.
Ferdinand said: "Japan was definitely a big turning point in our season.
"When you're really in the thick of the English season, you sometimes can't focus properly or see where you're aiming for.
"But going to Japan allowed us to take a step back and refocus and, by coming home with the trophy, we got that winning feeling back which was important.
"The fact other teams hadn't really taken advantage of us being away was another incentive to make sure we went on a good run and thankfully we did."
Rafael Benitez's Liverpool proved formidable challengers, with the Merseysiders taking six points off United this term.
And Ferdinand admits that the Anfield club's re-emergence as a domestic force has made this season's title triumph even more satisfying at Old Trafford.
He said: "It's been a bit more intense (with Liverpool challenging) because it's a lot closer to home than when it's Arsenal or Chelsea challenging you.
"Suddenly, everywhere you go at the moment there's a Liverpool fan! You get a bit of respite when your main rival is one of the London clubs, but because we're such close neighbours up here, there's always something being said.
"And of course, the rivalry between the two clubs goes back a long way. It's a sweet feeling to equal their record of 18 titles, but overtaking that record will definitely be the next aim."
