Source: Manchester_EveningNews
United up for final fling!
THE memories of Barcelona's Champions League winning celebrations in Rome can drive United to a third successive final. Madrid on May 22 is Sir Alex Ferguson's target and the experience of the Stadio Olimpico last Spring will stand the Reds in far greater stead than the triumph of Moscow 2008. Despite winning the European Cup in Russia, it is the Italian experience seven months ago that will boost the Reds as they look forward to a last 16 tie with AC Milan and David Beckham. "Being in two finals does count a lot but also what is important is that we lost the last one," said Ferguson. "It was the first time I have ever lost a European final and the players will all want to get back for a final. It does that for you. "Winning was great in Moscow but somehow losing in Rome was even better for us in the sense that you realise what a big occasion it is because you are not part of the celebrations. "When you are actually involved in the celebrations it goes over the top of your head because it happens so quickly and everyone is in such a joyous mood. "But when you lose the impact is far greater. It was a let-down for everyone. You are stronger in the sense of the loss of the celebration. "That is where you miss out. The celebrations when you win a European trophy is beyond everything else. "The hurt doesn't last long to be honest with you. They are professional players and they get on with their life but the one thing that does resonate strongly is the occasion. "The stadium had been revamped, I had been in the stadium over the years and it was run down but it was looking fantastic that day. "It was a great venue for a final. Madrid is similar, it will be a great venue too and hopefully we will be there. We will have a chance." The Champions League draw in Switzerland has pitched United in with a side who have knocked the Reds out of the tournament twice in four years. Last season, however, the Italians were in the Europa League and were knocked out in the last 32. Milan But Milan apart, Fergie does not see any side making great strides from last term in the Champions League. "You always have to look at the opposition and it is virtually exactly the same as it was last season. There aren't many changes," he said. "I don't think there are any great improvements from our opponents anywhere. It is all the same so we must have a chance. "We are in the final stages so we have done the first part well. Our form away from home has been better than it was at home although we did make changes in the home games. Everyone has an incentive to get to a European final it doesn't matter whether you have won one or lost one. It is the best tournament. It is fantastic. "You are playing all the best teams. It is going to be a fantastic last 16." Between now and United's visit to the San Siro on February 16 the champions have nine Premier League matches to tackle. United were beaten last Saturday at Old Trafford by Aston Villa but hit back with a home win against Wolves. Meanwhile, Villa followed their success against the Reds with a win at Sunderland consolidating their position among the Champions League places. Martin O'Neill's side's position in the top four points to a more open race for the English crown this year. "It could be open. It is a tough league," added Fergie. "Villa's performance last week was very solid and powerful. There is a lot of experience in the right areas. "Their back four were terrific. They did very well. Tottenham got a win during the week and so they are now challenging in that top group. It is a tough league. "The history of the league points to a two-horse race. Eventually it becomes two teams. But you hope it changes, from the spectator point of view and the interest point of view. "You hope four or five are involved in the last month of the season. It would be fantastic. It could be that way. "But history does point to it being between two teams." What do you think? Have your say.
