MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Owen Hargreaves believes Manchester United's run to the Champions League final vindicates his move to English football as the midfielder attempts to capture a second winners' medal in the competition.

Hargreaves was a Champions League winner with Bayern Munich in 2001 but ended a highly successful decade-long stay with the German club last year to join United in a reported 17 million pounds deal.

"At 26, I just thought I needed a new challenge. I was very comfortable in Munich, almost too comfortable," the England international told reporters ahead of Wednesday final against Chelsea in Moscow.

"I just wanted to take the next step; new coaches, new team-mates and a new challenge. The only reason I would leave Bayern Munich was for a top club and Manchester United is that.

"I'm very happy that I took this step because I thought we had the players and the potential to achieve something special."

That could happen on Wednesday as United, who retained the Premier League title a little over a week ago, look to repeat their 1999 European success over Bayern Munich, when Hargreaves was in the early stages of his career with the Bundesliga side.

"I just thought I'd been through everything I could possibly go through in Munich. I had a fabulous time there. It was a real pleasure and I learnt a lot," he added.

"I just thought that, having won the league four times, the cup three times, the Champions League once, it was a good time to move on. I was at a great age and I thought United was the best place for me. I'm glad I made the move.

SPECIAL CAMARADERIE

"I have never been in a team with such a great group of players, not only talent-wise but personality-wise. I have learned a lot this season about people and personalities.

"It is very unique what we have here. You look at the players who are not even in the squad -- the camaradrie is really special.

"That's why we are in the position we are in, because of this chemistry. The squad is in the position to achieve things again and again. That's the goal."

Although born in Canada, Hargreaves has English nationality through his parents and is one of only 13 'English' players to have appeared in a Champions League final.

"It was great to win the Champions League at such a young age," he said.

"It was my first season and I thought that was going to be standard procedure. I haven't been there since so I understand the significance of the competition and I hope we can really do the business.

"I don't think I'll feel the pressure more this time. Now I've got a lot more experience and I'm confident. I think I always do best in the big games."

Hargreaves was bought by Alex Ferguson because of his European experience and although hampered by a knee injury in his early months at the Old Trafford, the 27-year-old has played key roles in midfield and the right side of defence to help United to the brink of another memorable double.

He added: "It's easy to set out at the start of the season and say 'we want to win the title or Champions League'. Not everybody does it. We've actually gone out and won the title and we're in the position to win the Champions League.

"There's no point in doing all that work to get there, you need to put on the finishing touches. It could cap off a very memorable season for the club."

(Editing by John O'Brien)