Ferguson proves master team builder again

To think that in October, Wayne Rooney was on his way out of Old Trafford and questions were being asked about how long manager Sir Alex Ferguson would stay.

It seems almost a lifetime ago, and with Premier League title number 12 now firmly secured, Ferguson can plot the future as he ushers in another team to challenge for further honours.

This has been a season where thanks to some stuttering performances and an away record that barely got going, United were labelled as a team in transition.
Ryan Giggs turned 37 years old in November, Gary Neville retired in February and Paul Scholes looks like he might follow suit in the summer.

How Manchester United can beat Barcelona

Busquets' threat can be negated if Wayne Rooney "drops in" on him in midfield

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has the perfect opportunity to avenge the 2009 Champions League final defeat by Barcelona - but he must get his tactics absolutely spot on if he wants to lift the trophy for the second time in his managerial career.

And inevitably, the key to victory is how United deal with Lionel Messi, along with Sergio Busquets.

In 2009, Samuel Eto'o, who normally played centre forward, started on the right while Messi theoretically played centre forward.

Man Utd do not need to fear Barcelona - Ferguson

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has told his players they have no need to fear Barcelona in the Champions League final on 28 May.

United beat Schalke 6-1 on aggregate to set up a clash at Wembley against the team that beat them in the 2009 final.

"I don't think we should be going there lacking in confidence," Ferguson said.

"We are playing a fantastic team but we can't be frightened out of our skins. Their form is there for everyone to see. Our job is to find a solution."

Barcelona defeated arch-rivals Real Madrid to book their spot at Wembley after a acrimonious semi-final against their Spanish rivals.

Man Utd 4 - 1 Schalke 04 (agg 6 - 1)

Gibson (right) was the beneficiary of some poor goalkeeping by Neuer

Manchester United completed the formalities of victory against Schalke 04 to reach Wembley and set up another Champions League final confrontation with Barcelona.

United, holding a two-goal lead from the first leg of the semi-final in Germany, were never in danger of surrendering their advantage at Old Trafford and ran out comfortable winners - presenting the possibility of revenge for their defeat at the hands of Barca boss Pep Guardiola and his side in the 2009 final in Rome.

RIO READY TO FIRE UNITED TO GLORY

Rio Ferdinand insists he is fully fit and ready to steer Manchester United through a hazardous path to glory.

The England defender has been troubled by a succession of problems for the past three seasons now.

He was making only his 26th appearance of the season when he turned out in Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, compared to the 43 that have been amassed by central defensive partner Nemanja Vidic.

Ferdinand's most recent problem was a calf strain that kept him on the sidelines for six weeks, since when he has been rested for another couple of games by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Indeed, it would be no surprise if the 32-year-old was omitted tonight, as United look to book a Champions League showdown with Barcelona at Wembley on May 28 by seeing off German side Schalke.

If he does, it will only be because he wants Ferdinand fresh, because the player himself is happy with his fitness just now.

"People keep going on about how many games I have missed and compared to the usual amount I play you could say it has been a bit of a sporadic season for me," Ferdinand toldUnited Review.

"But I have been pleased with my performances and I feel back to my best now.

"My back is fine and hopefully I can put the niggling calf problems I have had this season behind me.

"I feel good and to be involved in the big games at this stage of the season, fighting for trophies, is what you want as a footballer.

"We just need to make sure we get the job done."

If Ferdinand is left out, Chris Smalling is his likely replacement.

The England Under-21 star has enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign following his arrival from Fulham and Ferdinand is convinced that in his fellow Londoner and Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans, United already have their defence of the future.

"Chris has been fantastic," said Ferdinand.

"He and Jonny are great young players with big futures at this club.

"In time I am sure those two will be the bedrock of the team."

Source: football365.com

Man Utd v Schalke 04 (agg 2 - 0)

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL, SECOND LEG
Venue: Old Trafford Date: Wednesday, 4 May Kick-off: 1945 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website; BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Radio Manchester 95.1FM and DAB; live on ITV 1

Rooney is expected to make way for Berbatov up front against Schalke

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will sit out Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Schalke 04 with a tight hamstring.

Holding a 2-0 first-leg lead and with the crunch Premier League game against Chelsea scheduled for Sunday, boss Sir Alex Ferguson will shuffle his side.

Dimitar Berbatov is likely, therefore, to start up front, possibly alongside Michael Owen in a two-pronged attack.

Fabio da Silva will miss out, however, as he is suffering from a knock.

The Brazilian picked up the injury in Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Arsenal,a match that has ensured this weekend's Premier League match against Chelsea at Old Trafford could prove to be the key in this season's title race.

United are three points clear of the Blues with three matches left in the season. However, defeat on Sunday would drop United to second and leave them playing catch up in their final two games of the season - Blackburn away and Blackpool at home.

Barcelona 1 - 1 Real Madrid (agg 3 - 1)

Pedro (left) celebrates opening the scoring with team-mate David Villa By Jonathan Stevenson Barcelona booked their place in the Champions League final after drawing their semi-final second leg with arch-rivals Real Madrid at the Camp Nou. Barca, who led 2-0 from the first leg, were lucky not to go behind when Gonzalo Higuain had a goal disallowed. They went ahead when Andres Iniesta's fine pass enabled Pedro to rifle home but Real levelled when Marcelo fired in after Angel di Maria hit the post.