Source: Daily_Mail
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL 2011: Steve McClaren convinced Manchester United can beat Barcelona
Share Former Manchester United coach Steve McClaren believes his old club can triumph against Barcelona in the Champions League final tonight - if they have learned their lessons from 2009. Two years ago, Sir Alex Ferguson's men were outclassed by Lionel Messi and co in Rome as Barcelona secured their third European Cup with a 2-0 victory, but the ex-England boss believes United will be better equipped to handle the Argentine superstar this time around. Lessons learned: Barcelona lifted the trophy in Rome two years ago Tactical nous: McClaren (above) says there's no-one better than Ferguson'I do know that it will be a great game of football,' said McClaren. 'Barcelona can only play one way, and United can only play one way: that makes for a great game. 'The only thing I can see is that United may have learned lessons from the 2009 final in terms of how to handle the role and movement of Lionel Messi. 'That has to be the main focus: to play their own game, but also to deal with the movement of Messi, which they didn't handle very well on that previous occasion.' McClaren, who spent two years as Ferguson's number two at Old Trafford and was involved in the 1999 treble-winning side, also paid tribute to his former boss as he aims for a third European Cup triumph. 'There is no one better than Sir Alex,' he said. 'The professionalism, the culture, the competitiveness, and the philosophy of the club has been ingrained over the years with him. 'Hard work is also the key to success, along with leadership and professionalism.' Visit the Dugout at www.yahoo.co.uk/dugout to hear more from Steve McClaren and Britain's other top managers every week. Barcelona v Manchester United is the perfect contest. now can they deliver?We will win classic Champions League final, insists United boss FergusonRevealed: The secrets of the Barca ambush - how they beat Sir Alex in 2009 Champions League final Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Steve McClaren Places: Barcelona, Rome, United Kingdom