Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson feels Real Madrid have improved massively under coach Jose Mourinho.

Among other things, the manager is a fan of Real's work ethic and energy off the ball, as well as the individual talents of Mesut Özil and ex-Reds star Cristiano Ronaldo, whose scoring record in Spain currently stands at 104 goals in 107 appearances.

"I think Real Madrid have improved. I've been watching their games and they are playing really well," Sir Alex told the Sunday newspapers. "In fact, overall I've think they're playing every bit as good as Barcelona and their goals have been phenomenal. They have definitely improved, there's no question about that.

"They are fit as hell and they put some energy into their games. I think there is improvement in the boy Ozil too, he has improved a lot and Ronaldo is Ronaldo. He is phenomenal. 104 goals in 107 games is brilliant - it nearly breaks my record!"