MICHAEL CARRICK says memories of last season's defeat by Milan in the Champions League semi-final remain raw at Manchester United. The midfielder is adamant, however, that such thoughts will not haunt the side in Barcelona tomorrow night. Instead, he says, recollections of a more glorious European evening will come to the fore.

United return to Camp Nou for the first time since they won the Champions League there nine years ago. Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs remain from the squad which achieved that dramatic victory over Bayern Munich, and they have been recalling their success in order to inspire the new generation.

"It promises to be a great spectacle and everyone is talking about it because you dream about being involved on a night like this," said Carrick. "Manchester United have not been to the Nou Camp for a while, but the lads who were around in 1999 have spoken about what a special night it was. Hopefully we can repeat that success. As a footballer, it does not get much better."

A similar level of expectation was reached a year ago, when United prepared to take on Milan. As now, they were top of the Premier League and favourites to reach the Champions League final. But inspired performances in each leg by the Brazilian midfielder Kaka saw the Italian side make it to Athens instead.

Carrick knows a player of similar quality to Kaka - most likely Barcelona's Argentinian striker Lionel Messi - could undo United again, but says this time his team-mates will not be running on near-empty.

"Last year we ended up a little bit thin and couldn't pull it off in Milan when it mattered, but we now have enough bodies to cope with going for the title and the Champions League. It is the depth of the squad which has got us into this position," said the 26-year-old.

"These games are won and lost on little details. We need them to go our way, but we certainly have the players and the confidence, so hopefully it will work in our favour. It will be a test but I'd like to think it will be more of a test for them."

Optimism is spreading through the United ranks and Cristiano Ronaldo last night said his team could rank as the club's best ever, should they win the Champions League and the Premier League this season.

"There is a lot of talent here," said the 23-year-old winger. "I think we are going along the right path. Game after game we have shown we have a fantastic team with magnificent players."

Meanwhile, Brown yesterday signed a new four-year deal at Old Trafford. The club confirmed on Friday the 28-year-old was one of three players, along with Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand, to have agreed new contracts.

For Barcelona, Thierry Henry was unable to train yesterday because he was suffering from a fever. Also absent were Ronaldinho, Lilian Thuram and Edmilson.