UEFA Champions' League Final Possibilities: Manchester United vs ??

Call me optimistic, arrogant, egotistical, big-headed or whatever, but I just couldn't help but pondering over our potential opponents at the Bernabeau on 22 May.

Here is a list of the possibilities:

1. Manchester United vs Barcelona

The BIG one. The rematch. The clash of the titans. The battle for undivided European Supremacy. The one everyone wants. 

It's got many names, and why the hell not! I mean, it's arguably the clash of the two best sides in the world (my apologies to Roberto Mancini and Florentino Perez).

Speaking of Perez, the fact that it's going to be played at the Santiago Bernabeau just makes it even more special for both sides. The Real Madrid Factor .

Manchester United will be hoping Mr. Perez and, more importantly, a certain CR9 would be watching from the stands. And everyone in Barcelona would be smacking their lips with the prospect of lifting the coveted trophy in their biggest rival's own backyard! Sweet!

Another alluring prospect of this tie would be the clash of Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi . Lots of things at stake, reputation being one, and the annual footballing gongs being the other. With 67 goals between them (as of 24 March, 2010), this sure is going to be a feisty battle, unlike last year.

But both teams would be hoping that their star players will not get carried away by the hype. Cristiano Ronaldo and United know the consequences only too well!

2. Manchester United vs Inter Milan

A re-match of last season's knock-out round. Both teams have undergone some changes since then.

United have lost Cristiano Ronaldo, but more importantly, have gained from the ever-so-prolific Wayne Rooney in the form of his life.

Inter have since swapped Zlatan Ibrahimovich for Samuel Eto'o (one of United's tormentors that night in Rome). Wesley Sneijder has also been an important addition to the Italian Champions' squad.

Both teams have since gone on to win their respective leagues last season and have carried their form into the present season.

This match would be a renewal of the Ferguson Vs Mourinho saga. Mourinho still enjoys a 6-2 head-to-head lead, despite losing out to the Scotsman last season. Sir Alex will be bent on improving that record, and Mourinho, well, he'll be Mourinho!

His comments about Chelsea during their recent encounter and the eventual K.O. brought a smile to many a United supporter. With Mourinho tipped to be Sir Alex's successor, it will be an interesting final to say the least.

3. Manchester United vs Arsenal

The dream final! At least for lovers of the English game. Sure to be a scrumptious tie and a smack on the face for Michel Prattini and Co. 

This game is sure to attract loads of attention, with both teams being arch-rivals for years and every match having been a cracker in its own way.

Arsenal would be looking for redemption after being, well, annihilated by United in last season's semifinal and more recently in the Premier League, both at The Emirates.

Manchester United would be looking to increase their supremacy over the English game and, more importantly, local bragging rights.

Ferguson and Wenger are sure to add their "precious" comments before the game to add up to the spice and Bendtner would probably go into shock minutes before the game.

Jokes apart, the fact that Arsenal would have overcome Barcelona and possibly Inter Milan to reach the final would tell heaps about the form they're in and the average United fan would not be very comfortable with this tie.

The pending result of the Premier League is sure to play a major role in this tie and as we can see, there's a little more than silverware at stake, even for Arsenal!

4. Manchester United vs CSKA Moscow

One of the lesser expected ties. In fact, anyone who would have placed a bet on this tie is sure to win enough to buy a pair of David Beckham's underwear (Bordeaux vs CSKA would probably get you one of his shoes).

It would be a rematch of this season's group stages and any United fan would tell you that it was no walk in the park for the Red Devils, with Milos Krasic showing just why he's one of the most sought-after players in Europe.

CSKA is sure to turn up for such a big game, after having potentially turned up against Inter and Arsenal/Barcelona. Sure to be a cracker!

So, four mouth-watering ties in the prospect for United, provided we get over the initial hurdles of a redemption-seeking Bayern Munich and one of the two French sides—Lyon and Bordeaux—not to be taken lightly at all!

My gut feeling tells me it's going to be Inter Milan, but then it also said we would beat Barca 3-0 last year, so...we'll have to wait and watch.