Final Promise By @rioferdy5

Rio Ferdinand has promised Barcelona will face the 'real Manchester United' on 28 May at Wembley. 

The Reds defender is clearly still smarting from the 2-0 Champions League final defeat to the Catalan giants in Rome and is determined that things will be different this time around.

Although appreciating the world-class array of attacking talent in Pep Guardiola's side, Ferdinand is backing his team-mates to set the record straight.

"I have never watched 2009 again," he revealed. "But matches like that are hard to forget as it is clear in your head.

"If you want to sit and think about games like that they come up quite easily. It is like bringing something up on the internet. I have not watched it but I have re-run it in my head a few times. We never played. We never got on the ball. We weren't Manchester United that day. This time we will give a better account of ourselves.

"On the way back we were sitting there thinking if only we had gone out and played and been the real Manchester United, it would have been different.

"I wouldn't mind it being the best Manchester United against the worst Barcelona. We will try and do whatever it takes to win. They always say you don't want to come off the pitch with any regrets. There were regrets that night."

Ferdinand respects Barcelona but is not in awe of the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.

"You watch the games and see them on TV and they have fantastic players," he continued.

"They have got three of the best in the world playing in their team if you look at the awards that were given out. But it is not just down to them. If you mark one player out of their team, you still have another 10 to contend with.

"I am sure they will be thinking the same about us. They are more experienced, they know how to win and have consistently won things over the last two or three years.

"You see that aura a little bit. We had that here. We felt in the tunnel we had the game won. But that won't happen with us. We have experienced players who have played against a lot of great teams. When we look around our own changing room, that instils you with confidence."

United Transfer Targets

Sir Alex Ferguson's comments about transfer targets have prompted journalists and fans alike to speculate as to which players will be signing for United this summer.

The boss said: "We have certain targets in mind and I think two or three will be fulfilled." (ManUtd.com, 29 March 2011).

The club has a policy of not commenting on press rumours and official statements are only issued - firstly on ManUtd.com of course - when deals are done and dusted.

In the meantime, it remains a guessing game for all of us. To while away the wait for official news, we're asking you to vote for the player you'd most like to see at United - just for fun.

We've compiled a list of some of the outfield stars who have been consistently linked with the club over the past weeks and months. Which of these eight would you go for?

Daniele De Rossi (Roma) 

Jordan Henderson (Sunderland) 

Luka Modric (Tottenham) 

Sotiris Ninis (Panathinaikos) 

Jack Rodwell (Everton) 

Alexis Sanchez (Udinese) 

Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) 

Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

Antonio Valencia: I thought I Will Loose My Speed Permanantly After Injury

Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia relieved at full recovery: I thought my speed might decrease permanently after horror injury

UEFA Champions League Semi : Antonio Valencia, Manchester United v Schalke 04

The former Wigan Athletic star admits that he is nearly back to 100 per cent and is delighted to be involved in the Red Devils' big games following his broken leg against Rangers

Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia admits he feared his speed would decrease permanently following the horrific leg break he sustained during a Champions League meeting with Rangers in September.

The former Wigan Athletic man suffered a broken and dislocated left ankle after landing awkwardly following a challenge from Kirk Broadfoot but insists he is now nearly back to 100 per cent fitness after an impressive string of performances.

"At first I thought my speed might decrease permanently but I spoke to the physio and he assured me I was going to make a complete recovery, which gave me a lot of confidence," Valencia told The Sun.

"When I was injured I would sit at home watching the matches and think 'If I were in that position, I'd do this or that'. 

"Previously, the longest I'd been out was about three months and this was more than five months, so it was tough."

Since returning to the fold two months ago the Ecuador international has been in fantastic form for the Red Devils, helping them reach the final of the Champions League, and Valencia believes his spell on the sidelines has made him appreciate the game like never before.

"Now I'm back at nearly 100 per cent and I'm happy to be involved in these big games," he added.

"Training with the lads and playing at an exciting time of the season - it doesn't get any better than that.

"Football is my whole life and perhaps I didn't really appreciate that before the injury, or even while I was out. Now I enjoy every training session and every match."

Tickets For Wembley UEFA Champions League Final

Source Manutd.com:

Applications for the UEFA Champions League Final have now closed and the ballot is underway.

Ballot results will be available from Friday 13 May and supporters can check the status of their applications by calling 0161 868 8000 or logging in to manutd.com

Unsuccessful applications will automatically be entered into a second ballot on Fri 20 May

- to remove your application please call 0161 868 8000 before 8pm on Thu 19 May as allocated tickets cannot be cancelled or refunded.

Successful applicants will be required to complete an online Travel Report and tickets must be collected in person.

The Travel Report is required for UEFA and the Police and must be completed online at manutd.com/travelreport for each supporter in the booking before 8am on Mon 16 May.

The Travel Report will be checked when you collect your booking and tickets will not be issued unless ALL members from the application have completed their travel details in full. If there are any missing or invalid details when you collect your tickets you will be asked to leave the collection point to complete the information before returning to re-join the queue.

To ensure that supporters receive their tickets safely ALL bookings will need to be collected in person from Old Trafford by one member of the booking with a valid original passport as proof of identity.
In the case of joint applications, tickets for other supporters in the booking may be collected on production of personal ID (passport, driving licence, credit / debit card or birth certificate) as proof you have the authority to collect their tickets.

For example a booking of four made by Smith on behalf of Jones, Brown and Green can be collected by any of the four with a valid original passport and some form of ID listed above for the other three supporters. Please note the booking would be filed under Smith as the lead name i.e. the supporter whose details were entered first on the application.
Photocopies of ID will not be accepted and exceptions will not be made under any circumstances.

Bookings can be collected from the collection points adjacent to the Ticketing & Membership Services building behind the North Stand on the following dates:

Wed 18 May        8am – 8pm
Thu 19 May          8am – 8pm
Fri 20 May            8am – 8pm
Sat 21 May           8am – 8pm
Sun 22 May          8am – 8pm        Blackpool match* 
Mon 23 May        8am – 8pm 
Tue 24 May          8am – 8pm
Wed 25 May        8am – 8pm
Thu 26 May          8am – 6pm

* Although we appreciate some supporters will only be able to collect their ticket(s) on the day of the Blackpool game the Ticket Office will be extremely busy and we strongly advise you to collect on other days or to arrive as soon after 8am on Sunday 22 May as possible.

Executive Club Members will receive any supplementary information by email. 

United Will Not Be Presented With Trophy At Blackburn, We Have To Wait For Blackpool

Celebrations put on ice

Manchester United will not be presented with the Premier League trophy this weekend even if they earn the point they need to win a record 19th title against Blackburn at Ewood Park on Saturday lunchtime. Following their 2-1 win against Chelsea on Sunday, United will overtake Liverpool's record of 18 league championships — a record set by the Anfield team in 1990 – as long as they avoid defeat against Steve Kean's side. But United captain Nemanja Vidic will have to wait until the visit of Blackpool to Old Trafford on May 22 to lift the trophy after the League confirmed its intention to stand by its policy of holding the official presentation at the champions' final home game of the campaign. Sources at the Premier League have confirmed that the trophy will not be on standby at Ewood Park to cap United's celebrations should they win the league less than half-an-hour before Manchester City take to the field in the FA Cup final.
Rory Smith, Daily Telegraph

Elsewhere, The Independent claim Sky Sports "are hopeful their new signing Gary Neville can start his job early to be at Wembley as co-commentator on 28 May for the [Champions League] final against Barcelona".

The Sun also turn their attention to the Champions League final, claiming United aim to go on the offensive against Barcelona. "We have players who can cause any team a lot of bother," Sir Alex says. "Hopefully those attacking players will give Barcelona the problems that everyone thinks they are going to give us."

Have A Look On Chicharito First Season At Old Trafford

Striking stats

First 21 appearances
Starts: 42%
Subs: 58%
Goals: 9

Last 22 appearances
Starts: 68%
Subs: 32%
Goals: 12

How Hernandez scores
Head: 6
Right foot: 11
Left foot: 3

Results when Javier scores
Won 15
Drawn 1
Lost 1

Javier Hernandez has exceeded everybody's expectations this season, including those of Sir Alex Ferguson.

The United boss admitted recently that he thought it would take the Mexican striker at least a year to settle in at the club, develop physically and adapt to the English game.

And yet, nine months after Hernandez made his debut at Wembley in the Community Shield, he's netted 20 goals and staked a solid claim for a regular place in the manager's starting line-up.

Sir Alex has certainly found it difficult to leave him out. Since the beginning of March, Hernandez has started 11 of United's 16 games (and scored in two of his three substitute appearances during the same period).

If we split the striker's United career in two we get a better picture of the shift in how Hernandez's fortunes have changed. In his first 21 United games (nine starts) he netted eight goals, with five coming from the bench. His subsequent 22 run-outs (15 starts) have yielded a further 11 strikes, with only three as a substitute.

Of course, one of Hernandez's greatest qualities is the variety of goals he scores.

At heart, he's a supreme goal poacher who's lethal in and around the six-yard box; his finishing has often been likened to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's. But it's also interesting to note that almost a third (six) of the Mexican's goals have been scored with his head. That's not bad for a man who stands just 5ft 9in tall.

He's also netted five winners and opened the scoring on nine occasions (including his most recent goal, scored after just 37 seconds against Chelsea).

His most recent strike, after just 37 seconds against Chelsea, took his tally to the season to 20. It's the first time a United player has reached that figure in his first season since Ruud van Nistelrooy arrived back in 2001.

Little wonder, then, that everybody - from Sir Alex Ferguson to Pele - has been signing Hernandez's praises of late.

Video: wayne Rooney All 34 Goals OF Season 2009-2010 Amazing .. Relive The moment

Picture: B E L 1 9 V E .. The Champions Are Here ..

Manchester United Fanzone

Please Leave Rooney Alone For God Sake

Complaints about Wayne Rooney swearing into a camera during Manchester United's title decider with Chelsea have not been upheld by the TV watchdog.

Viewers contacted Ofcom after the United striker was seen to say 'f***' while celebrating a goal in the game, broadcast on Sky.

But the watchdog said that what Rooney said was 'not clearly audible, and the camera cut away from the scene as soon as it became clear that (his) behaviour was inappropriate'.

Smile for the cameras: Rooney was caught swearing during the clash with Chelsea

The commentator on Sky Sports apologised after the incident.

Ofcom added in a letter to viewers: 'While we acknowledge that the broadcast of this behaviour during this match was unfortunate as well as unexpected, we consider that, given the circumstances, Sky acted responsibly and do not find grounds to uphold your complaint.'

Rooney accepted the Football Association charge for using offensive language during the outburst as he celebrated his third goal in his side's 4-2 victory over West Ham - but not the automatic two-match ban. 

Outburst: Rooney landed himself in hot water after screaming a volley of abuse direct in the camera after scoring against West Ham

We are going to cause Problems To Barcelona :Sir Alex

Lionel Messi is aiming to score in two successive Champions League finals against Manchester United. Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

A bullish Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed Manchester United have the armoury to hurt Barcelona at Wembley on 28 May and will not be cowed by memories of their last Champions League final encounter with the Catalans.

The United manager has rarely spoken about his side's 2-0 defeat by Pep Guardiola's team in 2009, when Barcelona comfortably prevented the defending European champions from retaining the trophy en route to securing a historic treble of the Spanish title, Copa del Rey and Champions League. The two clubs meet again in European football's showpiece event this month when, unlike in Rome, United will be firm underdogs against the reigning club world champions and Spanish champions-elect.

Ferguson, however, believes United's performance in 2009 was far better than it is perceived and that Barcelona must be wary of the threat posed by the attacking options at Old Trafford. "Obviously Barcelona is the big one now," said the United manager who, following Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea, requires one point from two league games to clinch an English record 19th domestic championship. "Everyone has acknowledged how great a team Barcelona are but Manchester United are in this final with some players who can cause any team a lot of bother. We've got attacking players who can hopefully cause Barcelona the problems everyone thinks they are going to give us. Hopefully it is going to be a fantastic final."

Ferguson accepts United face a major task to quell the mesmerising talents of Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and Lionel Messi, scorer of Barcelona's second goal in Rome, but insists his beaten finalists of two years ago were not comprehensively outplayed.

"In the final last time we started off really well and then gave away a bad goal. After that Barcelona kept the ball very well, as they always do," Ferguson told the US-based satellite radio station Sirius XM. "But people forget we missed a lot of chances in that match. Even before they scored their second goal we missed three chances. What we have to do is find a solution to the Xavi-Messi-Iniesta problem. Everyone is searching for that because they are outstanding footballers, but we have our share too."

While praise has been lavished on Barcelona – with their exception of their antics in the Champions League semi-final meeting with Real Madrid – United have not attracted the same adulation despite both clubs reaching Wembley and being on the brink of winning domestic titles.

Ferguson added: "Everyone has said this is not a good Manchester United team, that we are not this or that. But we have scored more goals than anyone else. Our home form has been magnificent. We are undefeated in Europe. We are in the Champions League final and we will win the league by getting one more point. You have to put all the criticism to one side because I have to be realistic when I look at my team and ask, 'Am I satisfied?' I think the players have given me everything. They have given the club everything."

The United manager again expressed his dismay over the possibility of Carlo Ancelotti losing his job at Chelsea, having thwarted the Italian in both the Champions League and Premier League this season. "It would shock me, not surprise me," he said.

"This is an industry that baffles me at times. Here is a man who has won the European Cup twice, he has won Scudettos. He did the double in England last year. Why is that being questioned? Why is it becoming an issue? I don't understand it. But the rumour mill is out there that he is going to be leaving. That is sad because he is an outstanding character. He is a great man, full of absolute dignity."

Ferguson also revealed he was compelled to bow to the Stretford End following Sunday's defining win over Chelsea in tribute to the support United had received in the closing stages of victory. The United manager said: "The reason I did that was because in the last 15 minutes our fans were absolutely fantastic. They helped us over the line. When we lost that goal and missed so many chances we can get over-nervous. There was a nervous aura about the place in the last 10 minutes but the fans were fantastic and that's why I bowed to them."