Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hopes to improve his record against Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.

Ferguson has only beaten Mourinho twice in 14 meetings but the Special One has lost a bit of lustre in a difficult season in Madrid, where his side have fallen out of contention in the Liga title race and Mourinho has fallen out with senior players, including Casillas and Ramos.

Ferguson believes the situation should work in United's favour, and when asked if he was looking forward to pitting his wits against Mourinho, he retorted: "I think he's pitting his wits against me."

The United manager went on: "It's a great challenge, the two biggest clubs in the world. It's a great game for us.

"We're still involved in three competitions, but their only target is the European Cup because they've been chasing their tails with Barcelona in the league.

"It makes it harder for them in one way because it can add pressure. Jose has his sights on the European Cup this year, there's no secret his desire to win it. He'd be the only person to win the European Cup with three different teams, so it's a fantastic challenge for him."