Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he wishes he had done better in the Champions League.

Ferguson has delivered two of United's three ­European Cup/Champions League triumphs, but defeats to Barcelona in two more finals have frustrated his ultimate goal.

He admitted: "The European Cup, ­without question, elevates your status in the game. I've always said about the likes of Real Madrid and Milan that you want to be up there in terms of the number of trophies they've won in European football.

"We have had opportunities. We have lost twice to Barcelona and want to do ­better. I think we will do better than last year."

Another English club emerged as ­surprise winners of the Champions League last May, but Ferguson expects the familiar suspects to be at Wembley in 2013.

"You ­always think one of the bigger ones is going to win it.

"I would think the Spanish teams are still the favourites to win this season, but then look at Chelsea last season. You would never have predicted that, would you?"