Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed Real Madrid's Champions League chances, despite their mega spending.

Yesterday, Ferguson stressed that Madrid will not necessarily be favourites for the Champions League this coming season, despite the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and the Kaka.

Last season's winners Barcelona, who outplayed United in the final, will be the ones to beat, he added.

Nevertheless, Europe's financial powerbase has moved again this summer and United have chosen not to match Real's gargantuan spending.