World Of Sports

Manchester United will be looking to earn an advantage against Barcelona as they travel to Camp Nou for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final

It is United's first return to the stadium since they beat Bayern Munich in an extraordinary final in 1999 but Sir Alex Ferguson has urged his players to forget about the past and shape their own destiny.

Current form suggests that United should be strong enough to edge out Barcelona over two legs, as they are unbeaten in nine games in all competitions.

United have opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League and have made serene progress through to the last four of the Champions League.

They lost out to Milan at the same stage 12 months ago but Ferguson is confident that he has a stronger squad at his disposal this time around.

Vidic doubt

Ferguson's biggest concern is the fitness of defender Nemanja Vidic, who has been struggling with a knee injury of late and also had a stomach complaint on Tuesday which forced him to miss training.

If he fails to recover it is likely that Wes Brown will be switched into the centre, with Gary Neville or John O'Shea coming in to make up the back four.

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar missed United's 1-1 draw with Blackburn at the weekend but has travelled with the rest of the squad after shaking off a groin strain.

Wayne Rooney suffered a hip injury at Ewood Park but Ferguson has confirmed that he is fit to feature in Spain.

Owen Hargreaves and Anderson are also in contention after they were ruled out of the Blackburn match with minor injuries.

Cristiano Ronaldo has earned rave reviews for his performances this season but the Portuguese winger will have to share the stage with Barcelona's own superstar Lionel Messi on Wednesday.

Messi boost

Messi has made just two substitute appearances since returning from a thigh injury but has been passed fit.

Frank Rijkaard has also been boosted by the news that midfielder Deco has recovered from a calf injury, while Thierry Henry is available following a fever.

Rafael Marquez had been doubtful with a foot problem but the Mexican seems set to partner Gabriel Milito in defence.

Barcelona have fallen 11 points off the pace in the Primera Liga and have not won any of their last four domestic matches.

They were impressive in seeing off Celtic in the last 16 of the Champions League but laboured to a 2-0 aggregate success against Schalke in the quarter-finals.