FERGUSON CONFIDENT OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CHANCES

"The players have already proved themselves by winning the Premiership," said Sir Alex. "But in my view they have the potential to go on to even greater heights. This is why we shouldn't be too downhearted about Europe. Yes, I thought we were capable of going all the way but people shouldn't believe the doomsters who suggested Milan's brilliant win against us means that we have no chance of equalling them.

"You have to keep things in perspective. Our super victory against Roma doesn't make us world-beaters, and Milan's performance doesn't make them light years better than us. Every team has its day and in Italy they were saying that the display against us was Milan's best for years. So, don't worry, it will come."