• Champions League final

Ferguson plays down talk of aerial threat

ESPN staff
May 27, 2011
Nemanja Vidic carries a real aerial presence © PA Photos
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Sir Alex Ferguson has played down suggestions that Manchester United will look to launch an aerial bombardment on Barcelona during Saturday's Champions League final.

It has been suggested that United would look to negate the perceived superiority Barcelona have on the ground by focusing on set-pieces.

United captain Nemanja Vidic is a real threat in the air, while Rio Ferdinand can also cause problems in the opposition box, but Ferguson shot down suggestions that the match will hinge on dead-ball situations.

"What advantage is that?" Ferguson said in response to questions about United's supposed height advantage. "I don't see that, I don't think it is correct. We have these two here [Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic] and Michael Carrick, that's it.

"They have [Sergio] Busquets, [Gerard] Pique, possibly [Eric] Abidal. So I don't see that as an advantage at all. They also have [Carles] Puyol who is a very determined defender so I don't see it as an advantage.

"I don't think it will come down to that, it will come down to what happens in general open play."

Ferguson feels United have prepared well for the game and suggests his side have improved since they were beaten by Barca in the 2009 final.

"I think we are as well prepared as we can be," Ferguson said. "In terms of big games if we perform well we have a chance.

"We are much more mature. In terms of [Wayne] Rooney's progress, he is much more mature than he was in 2009. And other players too. The experience of [Ferdinand and Vidic] are vital to us. I think the experience of progressing in Europe gives us a good chance.

"It is going to be difficult for both teams. Barcelona have fantastic qualities and I think our qualities will shine through too and that I think will bring a good game."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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