Ferguson: No special treatment for Messi

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United have no special plan to negate the threat of Lionel Messi in the Champions League final.

United and Barcelona are both vying for their fourth European Cup and will contest the final on Saturday at Wembley on, the scene of United’s first triumph in 1968 and Barcelona’s in 1992.

Ferguson has faced Messi, who has scored 53 goals this season, three times while in charge of Manchester United and on two of those occasions, the reigning World Player of the Year failed to score.

“We showed fantastic concentration in those two ties,” said Ferguson. “That is the key for us. It is an important issue in terms of Saturday.”

“We have played against Barcelona three times with Messi in the team. But there is always a solution to every good player. Hopefully we can find one on Saturday.”

“They have other good players though, and so do we. That is why it is such an appealing game. I am sure Barcelona are aware of that.”

“We showed fantastic concentration in those two ties. That is the key for us. It is an important issue in terms of Saturday.”

United veteran Ryan Giggs has been at the centre of lurid tales about his private life but Ferguson would not elaborate when asked about the Welshman’s role in the team for Saturday, adding: “All of the players are important, every one of them.”

Ferguson faces a selection dilemma for the clash at Wembley – a repeat of the 2009 final in which Barcelona won 2-0 – with question marks over Darren Fletcher’s ability to last the match considering his recent return from a debilitating virus.

And Ferguson, the most successful British manager in football history, admits he faces a tough decision over who to leave out.

“I think the solution to the game is not just about Barcelona, it’s about us, too. If we win the match, it’s down to how well we attack,” he said.

“It’s not easy picking a team because they have all contributed. Hopefully, I will pick the right team and the right substitutes.”

“It’s not easy because you’re dealing with the human side of the game and the players have worked ever so hard because it’s a squad game for us this year.”

“One person has to tell them and that’s me. It’s not a simple job but it has to be done and they all understand it’s for the right reasons.”

Both teams have no injury concerns for the match, although Barcelona are travelling to London earlier than planned – they fly on Tuesday – to battle the ash cloud hovering over Europe.