Source: Daily_Mail
My special ones: Fergie backs United to beat Barca and targets Real's record
Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged his 'special' Manchester United team to make history by retaining the Champions League trophy against Barcelona tonight, then urged them to set their sights on Real Madrid's record of nine European Cups.
The United boss will become the first manager to win back-to-back European Cups since the competition switched to its modern format in 1992 if the Barclays Premier League winners can beat Pep Guardiola's La Liga champions here in the Olympic Stadium tonight.
Ferguson last night backed his players to complete a remarkable season by picking up their fourth trophy following the league title, Club World Cup and Carling Cup.
He said: 'We're good at doing things for the first time. It's unusual that no one has defended it since the Champions League started.
'During the Sixties and Seventies it was done regularly by great teams like Bayern Munich, Ajax and Real Madrid, of course. I can't give you a reason for it, but we have an opportunity to change that and I hope we can take it. This season has said something about the character of this team.
'When you have a bunch of players who are talented and don't want to lose, it tells you something about the very special nature of the team.'
Ferguson will equal the great Liverpool manager Bob Paisley's English record of three European Cups if United prevail tonight, but the Scot believes United should target Real's haul in the competition.
He said: 'It possibly won't happen in my time, but it's something we should aim for.'
Former United manager Sir Matt Busby, who won United their first European Cup in 1968, would have been 100 yesterday and supporters were busy last night arranging a huge mural that will spell out his name at one end of the stadium.
Ferguson said: 'I do believe in fate and maybe it could play a part if we won it again on this occasion. I think it's wonderful and appropriate what our fans are doing.'
Barcelona manager Guardiola is looking to win the Champions League in his first full season at the club.
He said: 'I think this will be a beautiful game and both teams will show the world how this game can be played.'
