Will Mourinho make Ferguson's mistake?
In 2009, there were 11 days between United’s coronation day against Arsenal and the Champions League final, with a final day trip to Hull sandwiched in between.
At Hull, Sir Alex Ferguson started Macheda, De Laet, Gibson, Welbeck and Fletcher - suspended for the Rome final after his dismissal at Arsenal in the semi-finals. Rodrigo Possebon, Richard Eckersley and Zoran Tosic emerged from the bench and United still won 1-0.
Ferguson was clearly preserving players for the final and not a single starter featured at Hull. The good intentions backfired when United were steamrollered by Barcelona and a number of players seemed ring-rusty, despite the auspicious start United made.
Giving players a prolonged rest is not always wise and Ferguson acknowledged that two years ago, when a number of Champions League final starters featured in the last league game and Gary Neville’s testimonial.