Champions League countdown: Guide to the famous managers of Barcelona and Manchester United
Manchester United's clash with Barcelona in Saturday's European Cup final is one to savour for football fans the world over.
Sportsmail now casts an eye over the two men in charge of the footballing giants.
Pep Guardiola (Barcelona)
Age: 40Experience: In just three years as coach has developed Barcelona into a team proclaimed by many as the best of all time. Led the Catalan giants to a glorious treble in 2009.
Honours: Plenty since arriving in 2008. One Champions League (2009), three consecutive La Liga titles, Copa Del Rey, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup.
Tactics: Has developed the passing game into a virtual art form. But Barca are not just about passing, his team is also a byword for hard work - they press their opponents relentlessly. Style: Bold and strong-minded - as was shown by his announcement that Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto'o were surplus to requirements when he took over as coach in 2009.
Playing career: Magnificent. Played for Barcelona for over a decade, winning just about everything, including the European Cup in 1992. Later played in Serie A with Brescia and Roma.
Playing career: Magnificent. Played for Barcelona for over a decade, winning just about everything, including the European Cup in 1992. Later played in Serie A with Brescia and Roma.
Sir Alex Ferguson (Man United)
Age: 69Experience: He established himself as a brilliant manager in Scotland, breaking the duopoly of the Old Firm, before moving to Old Trafford. The rest is the stuff of folklore.
Honours: He has won 47 trophies as a manager - he is the most successful in British football history, including 12 Premier League titles and two Champions League wins (1999 and 2008).
The main man: Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
Tactics: His teams are characterised by skill and speed, especially hitting teams on the break. Ferguson's team have a blend of aggression and style - they are never bullied off the park.
Style: A fearsome figure from the start of his managerial career, Ferguson rules with an iron fist. He is a master of the mind games, as messrs Wenger and Benitez could testify.
Playing career: A lot better than is often suggested. Ferguson played for many years in Scotland's top flight. He scored 45 goals in 51 games for Dunfermline in 1965-66.
Playing career: A lot better than is often suggested. Ferguson played for many years in Scotland's top flight. He scored 45 goals in 51 games for Dunfermline in 1965-66.
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