United focused on Barca — Owen

MICHAEL Owen has confirmed Manchester United's thoughts have already turned towards tomorrow week’s Champions League final.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to make many changes for Sunday's final Premier League encounter with Blackpool at Old Trafford, even though the game will have a significant bearing on the relegation battle.

Tangerines boss Ian Holloway has already expressed his displeasure at the prospect of Ferguson being fined for fielding a weakened team.

But that seems unlikely to influence Ferguson, who in any case has plenty of internationals who need a game, plus some who might be making farewell appearances at Old Trafford.

There is no disguising what United are focused on now, with striker Owen admitting training sessions were being geared towards the Wembley confrontation with Barcelona.

"We obviously have a duty to perform against Blackpool and to win that game," Owen said. "But I would be lying if I said one eye wasn't on Barcelona.

"A lot of what we are doing in training is focused on stopping them.”

In addition to Owen and Wes Brown, it could also turn out to be the final competitive game at Old Trafford for Paul Scholes.

The 36–year–old has still to decide whether to accept a one–year contract offer and there is a growing belief that Scholes will call it a day.

If so, he will go into retirement with 10 league title medals and 675 United appearances.