Manchester United banish 2009 talk

Two years ago, Sir Alex Ferguson's side arrived in Rome brimming with confidence, ready to justify their status as the bookies' favourites by becoming the first side to clinch back-to-back titles. Ninety minutes and one passing masterclass later, and United were left dazed and confused after a dizzying evening on Barcelona's famous midfield "carousel" as the Catalans wrapped up a 2-0 win.

Ferguson has never spoken in detail about the reasons for United's defeat that night, and his reluctance to reflect on that chastening loss has been mirrored by his players ahead of Saturday's re-match. Midfielder Michael Carrick, whose reputation took a battering after an anonymous performance in the Stadio Olimpico, insisted that 2009 would have little relevance at Wembley.