ROONEY: HISTORY IN THE MAKING

In a year that marks 50 years since Munich and 40 since United’s first European Cup success, there has been plenty to look back on this season. But Wayne Rooney wants to write a new chapter in the Reds’ history in Moscow.

Having already beaten Chelsea to the title, Rooney says the players are relaxed and confident. “We enjoyed ourselves last Sunday, but we’re holding back celebrations until after Wednesday,” he says. “Hopefully then we’ll have even more to celebrate.

“We’re more relaxed with the Premier League in the bag. Chelsea might be more anxious because if they don’t win then they’ll win nothing this season. Maybe that helps us, but I’m sure winning the league won’t make it an easier game.”

Sir Alex Ferguson has frequently stated his belief that United, based on stature and past opportunities, should have won more European Cups. Rooney, too, aims to alter that record, and with 1958 and 1968 in mind, hopes fate plays a part in 2008.

“The Champions League is very important, not least because of the club’s history in the tournament,” he adds. “There was the Munich tragedy in 1958 and winning it 10 years later. It'd be good for the club and the players to win it again.

“When you walk around the training ground there are pictures from ’58, ’68 all the way through to today. There’s a big history at this club and the players are well educated on it. I'm excited about the final. I’d like to go to bed and get up on Wednesday! It’s like Christmas when you were a kid – I just can’t wait to get there.”

EVRA: DO IT FOR SIR ALEX

Patrice Evra has more than his 2004 Champions League final defeat to motivate him in Moscow on Wednesday – the French full-back says he is determined to help win the trophy for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Evra is on a personal mission after losing with Monaco against Porto in 2004's final in Gelsenkirchen. But he also says a manager of Sir Alex’s calibre deserves more European Cup successes to his name.

“When I lost the final with Monaco, every day it was on my mind. This is why I said when I signed for United that I want to play in a Champions League final and win to erase the memory of the final with Monaco.

“It’s my second final and I need to win this game. It’s important to win this game for Manchester United, too, because it’s a long time ago since this club’s last success."

“For Sir Alex Ferguson it’s just his second Champions League final, but I think for a manager of his quality, he deserves to win the trophy more than once. I hope everyone can deliver this trophy for him out of respect of everything he has done for Manchester United. It’s very important for the manager.”

Evra says playing against Chelsea won’t change United’s approach to the game or make victory any sweeter. “I want to be a European champion, but not because it’s Chelsea,” he added. “Our opponents could be any team and I would still just want to win it because it’s the Champions League.”