Ferguson tells United: Make your own destiny

Ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League Semi Final first leg against Barcelona, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has told players to forget the past and ‘shape their own destiny’ .

Ferguson’s Manchester United side visit the Nou Camp for the first time since their historic triumph in the 1999 Champions League final. While Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Wes Brown remain from the ’99 squad, most of the squad will be making their Nou Camp debuts in United colours, some entering the awe-inspiring stadium for the first time ever.

However, Ferguson feels that his current crop, including the veterans of 1999, should forget that triumph and focus on the task ahead.

Talking to Sky Sports, Ferguson said, ‘They have seen the game many times on video and television, so I do not think it is lost on any of them’ but added that ‘What is more important is that they can shape their own history. I think they are good enough to do that.’

The capabilities of the Scotsman’s squad have been proven throughout a stellar domestic season. This comes in stark contrast to their opponents, who currently lie a disappointing 3rd in La Liga. This has saw some observers place United as firm favourites to go through to another European final.

However, Ferguson was quick to brush off such comments, explaining: ‘I do not see that we should be favourites. It is a very balanced game if you look at the number of quality players on both sides.’

In other news in the lead-up to the game, Ferguson also confirmed that Wayne Rooney should be able to play against the Catalan giants, after suffering a knock in his side’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn on Saturday.