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Edwin van der Sar
The Dutchman was the Manchester United hero in Moscow with his shoot-out save from Nicolas Anelka. At 38, his experience will be crucial as he seeks his third Champions League winners’ medal.
John O’Shea
May have earned his starting spot due to injuries to Wes Brown and Gary Neville, but the Irishman is no makeweight. His goal against Arsenal in the semi-final highlighted his ability to get forward.
Rio Ferdinand
Will be ring-rusty after missing the last four games with a calf injury, but an almost-fit Ferdinand is still a crucial cog in United’s back-four. His partnership with Nemanja Vidic has been immense this season.
Nemanja Vidic
Suffered a wobble in form after being exposed by Fernando Torres during Liverpool’s 4-1 win at Old Trafford in March, but the Serbian returned to his best during the title run-in.
Patrice Evra
The self-styled ’best left-back in the world’ and he will have to live up to that billing if he is to shackle dangerman Lionel Messi. Did so in last season’s semi-final, so no reason why he shouldn’t do it again.
Michael Carrick
Nobody questions his right to wear Roy Keane’s number 16 shirt now. A wholly different performer to Keane, but his influence in midfield is growing rapidly and his economy in possession and calm authority will be key.
Ryan Giggs
When he broke Bobby Charlton’s United appearance record in Moscow last season, it was viewed as the 35-year-old’s swansong, but he has gone from strength to strength this season and he is eyeing his third European Cup tonight.
Anderson
Still searching for his first goal in a United shirt, but the Brazilian’s job tonight will be about denying Barcelona the ball rather ending his goal drought. If he fails his task, then Barcelona will take advantage.
Ji-Sung Park
Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed that omitting Park from his squad in Moscow last year was his toughest decision, but sentiment plays no part in his selection tonight. There on merit for his fine form this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Has the chance to end the debate over whether he or Lionel Messi is the world’s best player. Ronaldo delivered on the big stage in Moscow and he will relish the opportunity to overshadow Messi in Rome.
Wayne Rooney
Likely to play on the left of a front-three again, but he has shone in that role recently and Barcelona might discover that Rooney, rather than Ronaldo, is the man they have to stop.
