Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he always dreamed of being involved in elite European club football.

For all the weight of trophies Ferguson has amassed down the years, it is the place he feels most comfortable.

"I have always dreamed about being involved in Europe," he said.

"When I first went into European football with Aberdeen, we played Real Madrid in the Cup Winners' Cup final in 1983. That was the start of the dream.

"We played Bayern in the quarter-final that year and Liverpool on one occasion. They were nights you wanted to have all your life. When they changed the old format of the European Cup to the Champions League, (it was) all the best teams.

"You always hoped to play against the likes of Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern.

"They are all in the tournament now. We have got our cake and everyone who is involved in Europe is eating it."