SIR Alex Ferguson is facing up to the biggest selection headache of his managerial career as he attempts to pick a squad for Manchester United's Champions League Final against Chelsea.

The United boss has no injury or suspension worries ahead of the Moscow clash tomorrow week and is delighted to have 26 players to choose from.

But, with Fergie able to name only seven substitutes, he must tell eight of his stars they will play no part in the club's biggest game for nine years.

"I think picking the team will be easier than picking the substitutes," he said.

"I'm going to have to leave some fantastic players out of the squad completely, which I won't enjoy doing.

"It's got to be done and I don't know when I'm going to pick that moment. I'm going to have to speak to them. It's not something I'm looking forward to.

"But, on the other hand, it's a fantastic position for us to be in."

Ferguson would love to reward all those who travelled to Wigan on Sunday for the game that saw United retain the Barclays Premier League title.

"You need a really powerful squad to achieve on all fronts," he said. "I took 26 players to Wigan and every player was fit."

Ferguson is desperate to claim a trophy he has won only once in 13 attempts since arriving at Old Trafford.

He insists a club of United's standing should have been European champions on far more than two occasions, citing the records of Real Madrid (nine wins), AC Milan (seven) and Liverpool (five) as something to which his players should aspire.

"That's the kind of record we should really have. That's one thing that should drive us all on now," he said.