Real have ‘no chance’ of Euro glory, says Ferguson
Ferguson believes Barcelona and the three other English teams involved in the competition are the biggest threats to his side’s hopes of retaining the trophy.
Madrid, according to the Red Devils manager, do not have enough pace in their team to worry the rest of Europe’s heavyweight sides.
When asked whether Madrid were among the favourites for the Champions League, Ferguson said: “No chance. Their game lacks pace. They have great players like (Gabriel) Heinze, (Fabio) Cannavaro, (Fernando) Gago, but they aren’t quick. There is (Arjen) Robben, the only one who can give them some rhythm, but he isn’t very brave.
“The three English teams – Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal – or Barcelona (are the favourites, along with United). The level of the Premier League is so elevated that it prepares you for games at the highest level.
“And Barcelona can count on a fantastic player – (Lionel) Messi.”
There is no love lost between United and Madrid, especially since their high-profile bust-up regarding the Spanish club’s relentless pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Another player they may compete for over in the next few years is Lyon’s star striker Karim Benzema.
The France international is one of the continent’s hottest prospects and he could leave the French champions this summer.
All of Europe’s big guns will have been monitoring the progress of Benzema, and Ferguson is an admirer of the 21-year-old.
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