Europe the measure of greatness for giants

Blue chip Barca and United only boast blue collar records in the competition, writes Miguel Delaney

IT WAS typical of Alex Ferguson. On the night of one of his greatest achievements, he couldn’t help thinking it still wasn’t enough. As he stood behind the giant European Cup in the early hours of May 23, 2008, drenched by Moscow rain but also the sensation of success, the Manchester United manager gave one of his customary speeches on how his team’s stats in the competition don’t befit their stature as a club.

“We have made one step forward towards getting a respectable figure in terms of Champions League wins. Now we want to add more and get up there alongside the Liverpools, Bayern Munichs and Ajaxs.”