Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie: Best of British to win

07 Dec 2006 - 14:33:17

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has tipped one of the five-strong contingent of British clubs through to the knockout stages of this year's Champions League to be crowned European champions.

The Red Devils joined Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea in the last 16 as group winners after Wednesday's 3-1 victory over Benfica at Old Trafford.

Scottish champions Celtic are also in the hat for next week's draw and Ferguson is confident that one of the quintet can go on to win the competition.

"It is fantastic for British football," he said. "I think one of the British teams can win and I just hope it is us."

Speaking about United's chances, he added: "I think the team is confident of their ability now.

"They know they can win games and can play and there were a lot of moments last night when I think we played some fantastic stuff.

"When we look at the possible teams we could face then there are some very good opposition there. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Roma all have great history.

"I don't know if it is an advantage for the second game to be at Old Trafford. Some people see that as an advantage but I'm not so sure that is always the case.

"But if we had been in second place we could have faced Lyon, who I think are one of the favourites, Milan, Valencia so I don't know which is worse to be honest with you."