FOR Manchester United, Rome will always be the city of eternal regrets. Wayne Rooney was wasted out wide in 2009, a gladiator with a blunted spear.

Cristiano Ronaldo's attempt to play Barcelona on his own predictably failed. Michael Carrick was left dizzy by being taken for a ride on a Catalan carrousel.

United's last Champions League final proved a deeply chastening experience. Two years on, painful lessons learned and Ronaldo sold, United meet Barcelona tomorrow as a far more disciplined and savvy tactical unit. The English champions know what's in store, what challenges await.

“We've played Barcelona three times in the last four years,'' said Carrick. “There's no hiding place.”

Certainly not from midfielders of the calibre of Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Two years ago, they kept moving the ball past Carrick, who was added to Rome's collection of famous statues.

“They are top players,'' said the United midfielder. “I enjoy them just as much as anybody else when I'm watching them on the telly but when you are playing against them, you have a job.

RESPECT

“I respect them for who they are and how good they are. I appreciate the abilities they have – not just those two but the team. They play in a good way. At the same time, they are the opposition. I have to do a job.” Some job. Carrick's role is a hugely important assignment at Wembley: breaking the batons of those who conduct the Catalan orchestra.

“They have their way of playing, we all know that, we've seen it many times,'' continued Carrick. “Of course, there's an importance of stopping them playing.''

United have done all their preparation at Carrington, working on their pressing tactics to deny Xavi, Iniesta and Messi the ball. The theory's done. Now for the gruelling practical. Carrick is keen to stress his respect for Barcelona but also remind people there are two teams in the final.

“We can't get too bogged down about how good they are and worried about their threats,'' he said.

“We are there for a reason as well. We play a certain way and we have been successful so it's not a case of worrying the life out of stopping them all the time. We need to implement our game and attack like we have.”

United have shown their rapier-like qualities in Europe, particularly against Chelsea and Schalke.

BITE

Even though they are underdogs, United will not be short of bark or bite. When he looks around the dressing room before kick-off, Carrick will be reassured by the sight of class in every corner, character on every seat.

Like Rooney, a grateful recipient of some of Carrick's passes. “He is a huge player for us,'' said Carrick.

“He's been playing great and scoring, he's been terrific.” And Javier Hernandez, a revelation since joining in the summer. “To settle in so quick at a club of this stature from where he came from, such a different culture, is incredible,” said Carrick.

“He said he was just expecting to play reserve team and get a few games in the first team but he's set the world alight since he played.”

When he glances further around the dressing room, Carrick will also see Alex Ferguson.

“It's massive for someone to achieve so much in the game to believe in you as a player or us as a group,” he said.

“That gives you huge belief and huge confidence. It's good to have him behind you, giving advice and helping you along the way.”

- Henry Winter