United will go at Barca — Scholes

MANCHESTER United midfielder Paul Scholes has no doubts tomorrow's Champions League final against Barcelona represents a clash between the best two teams in Europe.

Pep Guardiola's Barca have been acknowledged as number one in the world for some considerable time.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp labelled them the best ever in the wake of their stunning performance against Arsenal in the second leg of their last–16 tie.

It has taken rather longer for United's attributes to be acknowledged. But after four titles in five seasons and a third appearance on the greatest stage in four years, Scholes feels United are equally deserving of the accolade.

"There is no doubt the two best teams have made it to the final," said the 36–year–old.

"Barcelona are the ultimate. They are what we all look to and want to play like.

"But our football can be just as good as theirs at times. Both teams want to go forward and score goals, so I don't think anyone could ask for a bigger or a better final."

Scholes is still to reveal his intentions for next season, having so far refused to say whether he is going to accept the option of another one–year contract.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes he will. Others are not so sure.

Strangely, the statistics bear out a belief Scholes is an integral figure, even though he will start tomorrow's match on the bench. He has 23 starts and nine substitute appearances to his name this term.