On the eve of his side's Champions League encounter with Dynamo Kiev, Ferguson refused to rule out extending his stay to an incredible 25 years.

No matter how long the fiercely-competitive Scot remains, he wants his final seasons at United to be winning ones.

And, in accepting the Red Devils' Champions League record should be far better than it is, Ferguson has laid down the gauntlet to his young team to bring a third European Cup back to Old Trafford.

"If you are one of the best you naturally look to spell it out with cups and medals, otherwise you are in danger of ending your career as a nearly man - and I don't think a single Manchester United player wants that," said Ferguson, who won the Champions League in 1999.

"Talk comes cheap but I think we have built a platform that, with just a little bit of luck, will launch us on our way to capture this most elusive of trophies.

"We have had our disappointments on the Champions League trail but, while you can never take anything for granted at this level because the competition is needle sharp, I really believe we are capable of going all the way."

Barring a mathematical improbability, victory for United would sweep them into the knockout phase with two matches to spare.

Having dismantled Kiev in Ukraine a fortnight ago, there is no reason to believe Ferguson's side will struggle at Old Trafford, especially given United now have an almost fully-fit squad available.

"At this moment in time I am very positive about meeting the demands of this competition this season," said Ferguson.

"This team can go far. Certain things have to fall into place, namely to have a good, strong squad by the time you get to March.

"I can't dictate that. It is something you have to accept. You either have injuries and important times or you don't."

Dynamo's rookie coach Oleg Luzhny is fearful what may happen to his side in Manchester on Wednesday.

It is only two weeks since United put four past the Ukrainians. Since then, former Arsenal star Luzhny has replaced Jozef Szabo, who has been forced to stand down temporarily due to heart problems.

Luzhny accepts there could be no more difficult introduction to life as a top-flight boss.

"This is a big step for me and I do worry about tomorrow's game," he said.

"Manchester United are one of the best teams in the world and I have been here on quite a few occasions with Arsenal and found it difficult.

"I have only had two or three days to prepare for this game and it is just not enough time."

Luzhny's preparations are not being helped by uncertainty over the fitness over striker Sergei Rebrov, who missed the first meeting between the sides with a knee injury.

The 33-year-old has made the journey to Manchester, but he is by no means certain to play a part.

Top scorer Maksim Shatskikh is definitely out, so if Rebrov fails to make it, Luzhny's attacking options will be limited.