Ferguson may rest stars

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he may rest players against Blackpool ahead of Manchester United’s Champions League final with Barcelona.

United wrapped up their 19th English Premier League title with a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

They host Blackpool on the last day of the season at Old Trafford next Sunday, with Ian Holloway’s visitors needing to win to have chance of staying in the top flight.

And Ferguson may use the match as a chance to give some of his first team a break before they tackle Barcelona at Wembley on May 28.

“It’s a bonus for us, now we can consider who should be rested and who should not be rested,” Ferguson said.

“I know there is all this talk about what our team will be next week but, in fairness to all the clubs, we’ll be fair, don’t worry about, we’ll go out to win that game.”

Winning their 19th title will have been especially sweet for Ferguson and United’s fans – it takes the club past arch-rivals Liverpool’s record of 18 championships.

Liverpool have enjoyed a resurgence following the return of Kenny Dalglish as manager, with some tipping the Anfield club to be among United’s challengers next season.

But Ferguson has a warning for those who fancy the Merseyside outfit as contenders.

“It’s not easy, this league – as they’ll find out,” he said.

“We’ve dropped points to Blackburn, West Brom, Birmingham, Aston Villa, Sunderland, Newcastle and Bolton. That’s an indication of how tough the league is.”

“It was a big challenge,” he added, referring to his arrival at Old Trafford during Liverpool’s era of dominance.

“In the 80s, it was Liverpool’s time. But when I came down, I never thought we could achieve what we’ve achieved, but getting that first one opened the doors.”

“The success has carried on and, in fairness to the club, all the players who come here know they have to win.”