United's bid to finhis

United's bid to finhis the Barclays Premier League season with a win on Sunday - and more importantly to win the Champions League next Wednesday - could be boosted by the return of one or hopefully two England defenders.

Wes Brown is in contention for a start on Sunday afternoon against Hull City while Rio Ferdinand's chances of being involved look better after he trained on Friday morning.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Sir Alex Ferguson said, "Rio has trained today, which is good news. He’s done quite well. We’ll see how he is tomorrow.

"Wes Brown’s been training for over two weeks now. He comes into contention. He’s another experienced international player who’ll relish coming back into the team."

Sir Alex's team selection for the 38th and final fixture of the league season has been the subject of much speculation, given the game's proximity to the Champions League final and its importance to Hull and the other three clubs threatened by relegation.

"We have a league that’s got the best integrity in the world and we’ll play a part in that on Sunday," declared the United manager.

"No matter which team I pick, it will represent Manchester United in the normal way. We’re expected to win and we’ll go to win. That’s the responsibility I always have so nobody should worry themselves unduly about our intentions on this particular occasion.

"I did contemplate phoning the managers involved - Gareth Southgate (Middlesbrough), Alan Shearer (Newcastle) and Ricky Sbragia (Sunderland). Then I thought to myself, 'Ricky worked here, he knows this club, he knows exactly what we’re going to do. Gareth Southgate and Alan Shearer have played against us many times – they know exactly what it’s like to play against Manchester United.'

"So I dismissed the idea (of phoning) because they must know we’ll be doing our best.”

As normal, the Reds boss did not reveal his line-up at Friday's pre-match press conference, but there was a hint it may resemble his FA Cup semi-final side...

"If I can trust them in a semi-final, why not trust them in the final league match when we have already won the title?" asked Sir Alex.

There could be at least one difference to the young side which narrowly failed to reach the FA Cup final - Darren Fletcher is widely tipped to play against Hull, given he is ineligible to face Barcelona in Rome on Wednesday night. Could the Scot be made skipper on Sunday?

"I've not thought about that one," admitted Sir Alex.

"I'll put it in my memory box... and it may be used!"

Rome's a perfect stage

Italy-based freelance journalist Matt Barker says the Eternal City can’t wait to host the Champions League final…

It’s been a tough couple of months for Italian football. Another sorry showing in Europe, more envious glances towards the Premier League and the power of the modello inglese. However, all those dark mutterings in newspaper columns and animated debates in TV studios have given way to optimism as the country consoles itself with the thought of hosting the Champions League final.

There's a growing sense of expectation, not just in Rome but throughout the country; this is calcio’s big day, a chance to scrub up and show the world its best side. Two of the globe’s best teams battle it out for European football’s greatest prize, with the Stadio Olimpico the stage, and the Eternal City the backdrop. Perfect.

This being Italy, there’s also been squabbles, with UEFA president Michel Platini stepping in after archaeologists criticised plans for a fan zone in front of the Colosseum and portaloos in the shadow of the Palatine Hill. Security fears have been well documented, but the footballing authorities and police are confident that sufficient safety measures are in place to ensure the final is, as Italian Football Federation chief, Giancarlo Abete said, “a great opportunity for Rome it’s hospitality”.

So who will the Romans root for? Native boy Federico Macheda’s exploits have been a huge source of pride among Lazio fans, so Kiko could swing the neutrals United’s way. And surely no self-respecting Italian will fly the flag for a Spanish side after Xavi and co knocked the Azzurri out of Euro 2008...
The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.

United have continued

United have continued
to set the standard on the pitch this season and they'll also be looking the part off it when they head to Rome on Monday after teaming up once again with English fashion designer Sir Paul Smith.

The knight of the realm - and avid Red - has supplied the first team squad and officials with a special Champions League final suit for the second year running.

The Rome attire consists of Prince of Wales check trousers and jacket in pale grey featuring a peaked lapel. The inside of the suits bears special red-panelled lining with striped piping, identical to that on the tie. A white shirt, black leather belt and shoes complete the outfit.

Sir Paul made a personal visit to Carrington for the official team photo ahead of the clash with Barcelona and he's confident the Reds will return from Rome victorious.

"It's amazing to have designed another Champions League final suit and a privilege to be involved with Sir Alex and the players," Sir Paul told ManUtd.com. "I was very proud to see the squad wearing the suits in Moscow and I'll be equally excited to see them in Rome.

"Unfortunately I can't make the game because of work, but I will at least be in Italy, in Florence following every minute. It was fantastic to see the team win the cup last season and hopefully it'll be the same result again in Rome."

O'Shea delighted by prolonged run

John O'Shea says regular football is more important to him than picking up medals as a bit-part player.

The 28-year-old has been one of United's unsung heroes this season producing a string of consistent performances primarily at right-back.

Sir Alex Ferguson has guaranteed O'Shea a starting berth in Rome on Wednesday night as a reward for his loyal service and the Irishman is relishing the chance to face Barcelona.

"You could say I have been rewarded for my patience, but I was always confident that if I got a run in the side I’d be able to show why I can stay in there," he said.

"I’d never just stay at a club for the sake of winning a medal. If I felt I wasn’t playing a part [then I'd look at things], I’d never just stay for the medals. That has always been the case.

"I was close to getting on in last year’s final and it’ll be a great to play in this one although you never actually know for sure that you're playing until the manager names the team in the meeting before the game.

"It’s been a huge squad effort this season and everyone has played a part in getting us to the final."

O'Shea highlights Sir Alex's man-management skills as the prime reason behind his ability to get the best out of every player and ultimately win trophies.

"It is difficult to keep everyone happy but being successful is a key," says the Irishman. "If you’re winning things it makes it little bit easier when you’re left out of certain games

"Look at the size of squads at big clubs in Europe now. You can't win things with 11 players. The teams who will be successful will have between 18 and 22 playing a part.

"It's the man-management side that does it. He makes you feel involved. He might come around and say 'You are not playing Saturday but you are playing on Wednesday and I want you ready for that game'.

"It's those little things that make him the best in the business."