Fergie: This is bigger than the World Cup

ALEX FERGUSON believes that tonight’s Champions League showdown with Real Madrid is bigger than the World Cup.

Comparing the standard of the past three World Cups to the fare on offer in Europe's premier club competition, Ferguson insisted there was no doubting which offered the most quality.

"The European Cup is bigger than the World Cup," he said. "All the best players are in Europe and this is an incredibly competitive competition.