Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes his team will
have to get the balance just right if they are to beat Barcelona
and retain The Champions League trophy.
Ferguson has no doubts that his team can score goals but he
remains aware that Barcelona carry a major goal threat of
their own.
Lionel Messi has been a shining light for
Barca in their run to Wednesday's final, and Ferguson has
no problem with declaring his respect for the Argentine.
“From a team perspective there is always that opportunity to
score, we always carry a threat in terms of goals. So hopefully we
can continue that,” Ferguson said.
“Of course with every game you have to have an eye on your
opponents – the strengths, the weaknesses of them and,
yes, Messi is a fantastic footballer.
"We played against him twice last season so we know exactly how
powerful he can be and we hope we can cope with that.
“I think we have the players to do that. It won’t be easy and we
have to respect great players and tomorrow we will definitely
respect him.”
Ferguson believes his side is close to being a
‘special team’ and traces the catalyst for their success
this term back to the World Club Championship final in
December.
“This team has elevated themselves having accepted the
challenge of going to Japan, I think that was a big, big test for
us,” added Ferguson.
“We all found it difficult being there, sleeping wise and then
to have to come back and play Stoke on Boxing Day and winning that
game told you something about the character.
“Not necessarily the performance because it was not a great
performance. The character of the team was fantastic and they
didn’t want to lose.
“They are a bunch of players who are talented and don’t want to
lose, and I think you are talking about a special team.”
