With the notable exception of Liverpool's amazing clash with AC Milan in Istanbul four years ago, epic Champions League finals have been rare.

Even United's own astonishing injury-time comeback against Bayern Munich in 1999 was preceded by a fairly tepid 90 minutes and it is five years before that to the only other performance that stirred the blood, AC Milan's four-goal hammering of Barcelona in Athens.

Yet next Wednesday promises to be much better. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi engaged in an unofficial contest to be crowned the world's best player for 2009, Wayne Rooney and Andres Iniesta vying for the best supporting act and others, such as Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez, Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry eager for a chance to shine themselves, Ferguson has a feeling Rome will not be playing host to a dire affair.

"Football is always needing a boost," reflected the United boss.

"We have negatives in the game that surface every year in all different ways.

"When we get a game that paints the real story of football then we are all lifted. Barcelona and Manchester United can do that.

"The players we both have suggests it will be a great final. I hope it lives up to it."

As one of the likely protagonists, Giggs is capable of lighting up any stage.

The veteran Welshman is hardly the type to spend too much time defending when there is damage to be caused at the other end.

And he recognises the number of match-winners on either side will get fans across the world salivating at the prospect of what is to come.

"It is the dream final," he said.

"It won't decide the biggest club. It will decide who the best one is, at least for 2009.

"They are two massive clubs with massive histories, who play football the right way.

"We have both won our leagues and have proved ourselves in the Champions League.

"There are so many great individuals. Everyone is looking forward to it, including the players."

Rio Ferdinand faces a bit of a sweat before he is declared fit, with Ferguson confirming his £29.1million defender must shrug off the effects of a calf injury in time to face Hull on Sunday before he is a confirmed starter.

Although Ferguson has little doubt Ferdinand will be fit by the time United embark on their mission to become the first club to defend the trophy since the European Cup was rebranded as the Champions League in 1992, he is dubious about calling on a player who, by then, will have gone three weeks without a game.

So, while various parts of the north-east are fretting on the strength of the side Ferguson will select for the champions' last-day outing at the KC Stadium, the United boss is demanding one of his most senior men is involved.

"I am hoping Rio will be fit for Sunday," said Ferguson.

"If not he will be doubtful for Wednesday, that is for sure, because he needs a game.

"The plan is to have him back training tomorrow.

"Hopefully once he gets into football training we will have a better idea about his availability for Sunday.

"I think he will probably be fit to play next Wednesday but to go into the Champions League final after three weeks without a game is just too much."

With a second final win clinched in Moscow 12 months ago, Ferguson appears in a relaxed mood, even jokingly shrugging off a question about the likelihood of him replacing Juande Ramos at Real Madrid next season.

"Do you know how old I am," joked the 67-year-old.

"I won't be going. And I am trying to make sure Ronaldo doesn't go either," added Ferguson in response to the inevitable follow-up query.

He may happily bring up his age voluntarily to confirm he has no wish to leave his current post.

However, that should not be viewed as any diminution of his desire, which remains as strong as ever.

"It is not very difficult to motivate me," he said.

"When you look around this club, it motivates me easily.

"There is an expectation to win every game. It makes it very difficult to rest and take it easy in life. That suits my personality."