By Andrew McLean
1 Apr 2011 11:40:00
Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United (Getty Images)
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has explained that he would welcome a clash with Barcelona in the final of the Champions League.
The Scottish boss, unlike many who would be desperate to avoid a tie with the Spanish champions, would consider a contest with Pep Guardiola’s outfit a privilege because of his admiration for the club and the challenge they would pose.
“There are so many people who would like to avoid a meeting with Barca, but for me to clash with them in the Champions League final would be a real privilege and a challenge,” the Red Devils boss told Sport.es.
He continued: “It’s always nice to see Xavi and Andres Iniesta play. They are very brave players; they do not fear controlling the ball under immense pressure.
“The same is true about their magician Lionel Messi in their attack.”
If such a scenario unfolds it would be a repeat of the 2009 Champions League final in Rome, when Messi finished off Manchester United in the second half, clinching a win 2-0 with a towering header after Samuel Eto’o had given the Catalans an early lead.
There are tough fixtures ahead though before that can happen, with Barcelona facing Shakhtar Donetsk in the quarter-final first leg next week, while United have a two-legged affair with Chelsea.
