The Red Devils face Chelsea in Moscow in the first ever all-English Champions League final. It is the Blues' first final and United's first since 1999, the year in which they sealed an unprecedented treble with an incredible stoppage time turnaround.
Back then, United almost had to creep past more established and celebrated continental rivals, but the Premier League has since become twice the franchise and the pay-off is clear to see, as they are undefeated all tournament and have quite arguably been the most impressive team.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of the stars of the competition - and indeed the season - as he has netted over 40 goals in a ll competitions in what has been a quite exceptional campaign so far.
Despite racing to such dizzying heights, the Portuguese international still has his critics and is supposedly guilty of not performing in big games. Team-mate Michael Carrick clearly does not belong to this school of thought, and believes there is every possibility the back-to-back PFA Player of the Year cannot make the difference on the grandest stage of them all in club football.
"Ronaldo could have a massive say," Carrick told the club's official website. "He's world-class and will surely be voted World Player of the Year.
"These are the games he produces in and there's no bigger game. He's produced the goods all season and scored so many goals - there's no reason why he won't do it again."
"It was very tight in the league and going into the last game of the season level on points shows the teams are well matched.
"We're feeling great because we won the title, but we'll have to be at our best to win. The rewards and losses are massive, hopefully we'll come out on top."
Squad player John O'Shea has added that the occasion is one that is so special, that even if some players do not get the start they dreamed of - or even fail to make the squad - that nobody will be complaining or questioning Sir Alex Ferguson's decisions, and that it is all about achieving their goal as a team.
"Not many players get the chance to win a European Cup winners medal so that would be very special," said the utility man.
"But the players have to accept the manager's decision about who will be in the team and on the bench.
"We all want what is best for Manchester United and that is to win the European Cup."
Author:Brian O'Ryan
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