Barca have been dubbed the greatest club side of all time by some commentators and they are strong favourites to beat United in the Champions League final at Wembley in just over three weeks' time. The final is a repeat of the 2009 showpiece in Rome, which Ferguson's men lost 2-0 with arguably a stronger squad than they boast today. Fulham boss Hughes, who joined Barca from United as a player before returning to Old Trafford to help Ferguson beat the Catalans to the 1991 European Cup Winners' Cup, believes masterminding a win on May 28 would rank alongside the Scot's greatest achievements. Hughes said: "It's a huge achievement, I think, only in as much as people are trying to say that maybe this United team isn't as strong as the teams they've had in the past. "And to be able to overcome the team that people are saying is maybe the best team that's ever played the game, that's a huge challenge for anybody. "But if anybody can do it, it's Manchester United and it's Sir Alex. "He'll find a way if there's a way that's possible. "But it's a big ask and they know they will have to play to their limits. "And Sir Alex knows himself that the one thing you do need is a little bit of luck at the right time and, if he gets that, then he has players in his squad that have been there and have experienced winning trophies and they have that mindset. "It's going to be a fantastic game anyway." Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is the manager who has arguably had the most joy trying to stop Barca in Europe in recent years. But his tactical masterplan did not work in this season's semi-final and, having been to the Nou Camp to watch Tuesday night's second leg, Hughes could see why. "They're impressive enough on the TV but when you actually see them alive and playing in the big expanse of the Nou Camp then they're an outstanding team," he said. "If you're brave and press them high up the field then they can obviously draw you out of your own defensive positions and at some point in the game, they'll create chances going the other way. "If you sit back and try to soak up the pressure, because of their ability, at some point in time, they'll create chances. "So it's very difficult to keep them out for 90 minutes, irrespective of what game plan you have." The absence of Darren Fletcher through suspension was seen as crucial to United's 2009 defeat and Hughes believes the midfielder, only just back from several weeks out with a virus, could make a difference at Wembley. He said: "How match fit he actually is and how much that will temper his ability to have an effect on Barcelona if he's selected, only time will tell. "But certainly, when you're going into big games, key games in the season, then you want as many of your top players available as possible. "When they last faced Barcelona in the final Fletcher wasn't available and that was, at that time, viewed as a big negative for United. "So if he is available then maybe that can change the outcome of what is on paper a very difficult game."
