We will win classic Champions League final, insists United boss Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has predicted that Manchester United and Barcelona are about to produce one of the best Champions League finals ever - and backed his players to win it.

United manager Ferguson takes his team to Wembley tonight trying to win the competition for the third time and lead United to an emotional repeat of their 1968 triumph there against Benfica.

Decision time: Alex Ferguson was still considering his best options during United's final training session

His team will start as underdogs against a Spanish side regarded as one of the best the world has seen but Ferguson came out fighting, tipping his team to avenge their 2009 defeat by Pep Guardiola's men.

'This could be the best final of this coming decade,' he said.

'The success of both clubs over the last decade has been enormous. For my players now, it's simple. They have to trust themselves and each other.  I certainly trust them and they will do their job right.

'They are a great side but we have to focus on ourselves. We have the players to do it and the attacking players we need on show will be there.'

For his part, Barcelona coach Guardiola said: 'When you have a game in which both teams want to play and attack and win then for the rest of the world it should be a good match.

'You can compare Sir Alex's philosophy with that of Barcelona, perhaps best of all with that of Johan Cruyff.

Relaxed: Alex Ferguson shares a joke with coach Mike Phelan during training at Wembley

'To keep winning over a long period of time, to go through two, three, four cycles of renewing a team and keeping winning, that is greatness. It's an honour to be facing him again.'

United trained at Wembley last night without any mishaps, but it is understood that Ferguson was still juggling with his team.

Midfielder Darren Fletcher has made a late impression as his fitness has improved and he still has a chance of starting in place of Mexican striker Javier Hernandez.

Elsewhere, Dimitar Berbatov's place on the bench is under threat from Michael Owen, while Paul Scholes could also spend the night in the stand.

What is certain is that Ferguson could not be happier with the way that his team have prepared, having won the Barclays Premier League with a game to spare.

The Scot is also delighted to be back at the home of Sir Matt Busby's 1968 triumph.

He added: 'I think this is a symbol of English football. It's the right stage for this game.

'When you are at Wembley, it gives you a certain awareness that it is a big game and I quite like big games. There are none bigger than a European final.'