PARAPHRASING the President of the United States, Mr Barack Obama, my message to Manchester United fans is loud and clear: “YES, YOU CAN!”

And it won’t be a pint of Guinness but a crate of vintage champagne Sir Alex Ferguson and his team will be popping if they pull off the “impossible dream” and defeat Barcelona in the Champions League final at Wembley on Saturday night. The whole wide world is licking its lips at this one.

But very few people – even die-hard Reds here in Weymouth – believe they can pull it off. Against arguably the most talented side ever seen in international club football. I have a feeling in my water that Saturday, May 28 is Fergie’s moment of destiny – and I cannot think of another manager/coach I would trust in masterminding an improbable triumph. It is made for him. And if he smashes all the odds it will be the crowning moment in a glorious career.

And, most significantly, what will there be left for him to achieve? Nothing. In a word.

The point is not lost on Richard, that most affable delivery driver for the Dorset Cake Company in Weymouth and Portland.

“Phew it will be difficult,” he says. “But if Fergie pulls it off he would become untouchable. And although he insists he will not quit it would not surprise me if he decided to call it a day. Let’s face it, he will have nothing left to prove. And what a way to go.”

Love him or loathe him – and trust me there are plenty of rival fans in the latter category who detest his often awkward, aggressive, abrasive and arrogant psyche – everybody has to hold their hands up in recognition of his genius. Be-cause that is what he undoubtedly is. A genius.

I keep reading that this is not one of the greatest sides in United’s long, proud and illustrious history. Bullshine. Say no more.

The mood is endorsed by Gary, the other half of the Marina Broux boutique in St Alban Street, Weymouth who says: “The more I think about Saturday the more I think they can do it. And that would be the ideal time for Fergie to bow out. I hope so. That would leave Liverpool’s record of five European Cups intact!”

Old rivalries between the two North West giants never die!

Sir Alex is 69-years-old and passes a rigorous medical examination with flying colours at the onset of each new Premier League campaign.

As Shakespeare might say: “Age cannot wither nor custom stale his infinite variety.” There’s culture for you. Which, translated, means his appetite is as insatiable as ever.

There is, of course, a certain Argentinian standing in the way. Even one at only 5ft 6ins in his stockinged feet. He answers to the name of Lionel Andres Messi or “Leo” to his grateful Barca team-mates. But is he human? No, seriously.

The reason I ask is that he is like a PlayStation. It is as if someone – probably Pep Guardiola – commands him from the stands. Like a video game.

In all my time watching football I have never seen a human run with the ball at that speed. Or who has such quick feet. Don’t blink when he is in action.

But wouldn’t it be the most supreme and sublime tribute to Fergie if the world’s greatest footballer didn’t get a kick at Wembley due to a South Korean unsung hero who cost a paltry £4million from PSV?

His name is Ji Sung Park. And he most certainly has the engine, drive and discipline to quell the fire that is Messi.

I am old enough to remember 1968 and all that. What a night. Magic. But it will be nothing compared to the modern, mass-media frenzy a United victory will create the world over.

So remember: “YES, YOU CAN!”