Sir Alex Ferguson feels European glory for Man Utd will bring them alongside the all-time greats.
United boss aiming to join European elite
Sir Alex Ferguson believes European glory for Manchester United on Wednesday will bring them alongside the all-time greats.
The Red Devils are set to face Catalan giants Barcelona in Rome's Stadio Olimpico as they look to defend the European crown they claimed in dramatic circumstances 12 months ago.
Should they prove successful in their endeavours, they will become the first team to claim consecutive victories in the competition under its current format.
That is proving to be some incentive for a side that prides itself on being the best, although Ferguson is well aware of the challenge posed by Pep Guardiola's Primera Liga champions.
"There have been times when we should have done better in Europe and this is an opportunity for us to get that victory which would put us alongside the great teams of Europe," said Ferguson.
"I think this particular team has that kind of future. Hopefully tomorrow we can endorse that.
"I think it will be a game when both teams have the ball they won't want to give it away.
"We know both teams can keep it well and what we can do with the ball will decide the game. What we can create and how long we can keep it will crucial.
"We will have to play well to win, that goes without saying. Certain things will be important like concentration and luck. That can decide a game."
Ferguson is confident his side can re-write the history books, insisting United pose a goal threat equal to that of their attack-minded opponents.
Respect
"I think that from a team perspective there is always an opportunity for us to score because we always carry a threat," he added.
"So hopefully we can continue that way of playing. Of course, like every game, you have to analyse your opponents and their strengths and weaknesses.
"(Lionel) Messi is a great player and a fantastic footballer. We played against him twice last season, so we know how strong he can be.
"I think we have the players to cope with him. You have to respect great players and we will do that."
While on the subject of Barca's Argentine superstar Messi, inevitable comparisons have been drawn with United's own wing wizard Cristiano Ronaldo.
The latter is currently regarded as the best player on the planet by Fifa, but Ferguson believes it is difficult to choose between two players with incredible talent.
"They're two fantastic footballers," he said.
"They both have the courage to attack defenders all the time, regardless of how many times they are tackled or fouled. They run the ball and that is the kind of courage we want to see in footballers.
"They have different kinds of qualities. They are physically different players, but at the end of the day how can you divide them? It's very difficult."
