From The Indie:
"Hey lads, do you wanna buy a T-shirt?" came the shout as United players filed through security at Manchester Airport before flight DM1625 to Valencia. "You can buy this one if you like." And with that, an imposing, shaven-headed Scouser pulled his top out away from his chest to allow Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney, smiling yet irritated to the core of his Evertonian roots, to catch a glimpse of a motif consisting of five golden stars, two Liver birds and the words "Champions of Europe".
Ahead of his 12th journey into the European Cup the United manager denied the success of Rafael Benitez in guiding a modest Liverpool team to the ultimate prize in only his first season at the club had raised the pressure and expectation on United to follow suit. Like it or not, however, Ferguson's attempt to add to his own unforgettable triumph in 1999 - "I thought that would open the floodgates for us" - is sure to be measured alongside what the Spaniard achieved last term.
"I didn't feel anything," he said, when asked to his emotions watching May's final. "It was the same when any team wins the European Cup; I just wished we were there. That's what happens when you have won it yourself and you want to go back there. I don't think it increases the pressure on us. We are better equipped to win it this year because our younger players have more experience and Ruud van Nistelrooy is in fantastic form."
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"We have a better chance than last year. The likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea are all young players who will have improved through the experiences of the past 12 months. Then there is Ruud van Nistelrooy who is in fantastic form. He is so much fitter than he was when we reached the knockout stages last year. These factors give me the confidence we will have a good campaign."