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Ferguson predicts classic Champions League final with Barcelona

Alex Ferguson was in confident mood ahead of Saturday's Champions League final with Barcelona.
Alex Ferguson was in confident mood ahead of Saturday's Champions League final with Barcelona.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Alex Ferguson predicts a classic Champions League final with Barcelona
  • Ferguson's Manchester United side face Spanish champions at Wembley
  • Barcelona won 2-0 when the two sides met in the final in 2009
  • Ferguson says revenge is not on United's mind going into the match

(CNN) -- Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has predicted his side's Champions League clash with Spanish champions Barcelona could be the best of all time.

England's top side square off against Barca on Saturday at Wembley in European football's showpiece final that will be watched by millions of soccer fans worldwide.

Ferguson led United to Champions League success in 1999 against German side Bayern Munich and in 2008 when they beat fellow English side Chelsea, but lost to Barca in the 2009 final in Rome.

That was a one-sided affair but Ferguson, whose side are yet to concede an away goal in this year's competition, is certain Saturday's installment will be one for the ages.

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"The success that both teams have had in the last decade has been enormous and it could not just be the final of the decade, but the best final," he told a press conference.

"The two teams have great histories, that's obvious, but it's an appealing final in what could happen tomorrow -- anything could happen.

"There could be a lot of goals, a lot of excitement and there will be a lot of good football, I'm sure of that, so it is all set up, and hopefully it turns out that way."

Ferguson insisted that revenge is not at the forefront of his mind after United's defeat in Rome but did claim his side will present a different problem for Barca this time around.

"We are not looking for revenge but I trust in the players and believe they will do the job," he said.

"We are very focused this time and our preparation has been better. We maybe made one or two mistakes last time, but not this time.

"We were disappointed we lost the game but it isn't a matter of revenge, it is about our own personal pride."

It could not just be the final of the decade, but the best final
--Alex Ferguson

Ferguson also predicted that England striker Wayne Rooney could be the key player for his side, given the 25-year-old's sparkling end of season form as United romped to their 19th English league title.

"We have players who will all like this stage. In terms of Rooney's progress in Europe, he is much more mature than he was in 2009. And others too."

Ferguson added: "The experience of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic is also vital. Our experience, and our progress in Europe this season, gives us a good chance.

"Barcelona have fantastic qualities but I think our qualities will show through as well, which could make it a really good game."