Sir Alex: The Time Is Now

Forget Wembley in 1968 and ignore the Nou Camp in 1999. Sir Alex Ferguson delivered a rousing call to arms to his players ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final first leg clash against Barcelona: go out and write a new page in United’s history, in 2008.

Up for grabs in this two-part semi-final clash – the first instalment of which takes place at the scene of the Reds’ Treble triumph nine years ago – is a place in the final in Moscow against Chelsea or Liverpool.

United have reached the semi-final stage on nine previous occasions, including last season. But '99 and '68 aside, it's a hurdle that has proved one step too far.

To return to the Nou Camp is a reminder of United’s last European success. However, despite several short holidays in the Catalan capital, Sir Alex says he has not been back to Barcelona’s stadium since that memorable occasion.

And on Wednesday night, he will not stand for any nostalgic indulgence.

"I don’t know what the older players, the ones who were here that night, have said to the younger players," he said from the team hotel. "That victory is not lost on anyone – it’s shown that many times on television or on videos.

"Even more important is what this team can achieve themselves, making their own history. They are good enough to do that. This team is for today. They don't need to be reminded of the past or be worried about it."

For all the serious talk, there was room for a lighter moment inside the grand conference room at the team’s Hesperia Tower hotel headquarters.

The press conference's translator – also a Scot – reported Sir Alex’s comments in Catalan, Barcelona’s native tongue. When reporters from other regions of Spain requested the answers in Spanish, the United boss quipped: "I don't want to get involved in a civil war here!"

It shows the United boss is relaxed ahead of what is a critical match in United's season. Another semi-final stumble would be difficult to swallow, especially when the prize at the end of it is near, and so achievable.

Asked if this match should have been the final, Sir Alex reluctantly (not wanting to upset his English counterparts in the other semi-final) conceded: "It would be the most attractive final. But I think the winner of this tie stands a great chance of winning the tournament."