World Of Sports

Sir Alex Ferguson has told his Manchester United players to forget about the past and 'shape their own destiny' in the UEFA Champions League.

Manchester United claimed a last-gasp victory over Bayern Munich in 1999 in a remarkable Champions League final played at Camp Nou.

They return to the stadium for the first leg of their semi-final against Barcelona on Wednesday and Ferguson is confident his players can make their own bit of history.

"It is almost 10 years since we won the final," said the United boss.

"The team of today do not need to worry about the past and be reminded of the past.

"They have seen the game many times on video and television, so I do not think it is lost on any of them.

"What is more important is that they can shape their own history. I think they are good enough to do that."

Difference

United lost to Milan in the last four 12 months ago but Ferguson insists he now has a much stronger squad at his disposal.

"Last season we played much the same team every week because of injuries," he explained.

"Now we have a bigger squad, you can see the difference and how it has helped us."

Barcelona are currently third in La Liga after an inconsistent run of results but Ferguson is wary of the threat they present.

He said: "I do not see that we should be favourites. It is a very balanced game if you look at the number of quality players on both sides.

Worthy of a final

"Manchester United and Barcelona must be among the strongest sides in Europe as they have come to this stage of the competition.

"Both clubs deserve to be there and this match would be an attractive final, a fantastic occasion.

"I believe the winners of this game have a great chance in the final."

Ferguson has also confirmed that Wayne Rooney, who came off against Blackburn at the weekend, will play.

"Wayne took a knock on the hip but it will not stop him from playing," said Ferguson.