After supplying three of the four Champions League semi-finalists for the past two seasons - and a finalist in each of the two seasons before that - England led the way again this week as all four teams came through tough tests to reach the quarter-finals.

With Real Madrid and Inter Milan among those disposed of on the way, it now appears only Barcelona and Bayern Munich of the remainder can stop the Premier League quartet fighting it out among themselves.

It is a fact Ferguson acknowledges - and one he is happy to see.

"The quality, intensity and speed of the game in England is far beyond other countries," he said.

"It has been building up for quite a few years now.

"The Premier League product is an attraction for anybody coming here.

"Chelsea proved that with some of the players they brought here. We've got an Argentinian and Brazilians playing for us now and people are viewing it as the toughest league in the world."

While Ferguson cannot speak for Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool - who United host at Old Trafford tomorrow - he has succeeded in bringing a more European approach to the game during his time at Old Trafford.

While retaining the intensity and ferocious will to win, the Scot has also brought a maturity in possession which counteracts the old English 'up-and-at-em' approach, which tended to play straight to the strengths of most continental sides.

"I have always known the value of possession when you play in Europe," said Ferguson.

"I played in Europe and remembered chasing the ball. It wasn't easy and not much fun either.

"I just felt it was better to have the opposition running about and chasing you for the ball.

"If you watch some English teams going out to do a warm-up, the first thing they do is have a shot at the net.

"You have to control that culture and develop a way of winning in Europe. Passing the ball is definitely part of it."

Not that such a style will be needed if Ferguson's fear is realised and United are pitted against English opposition in the last eight when the draw is made next Friday.

After avoiding Premier League opposition at any stage apart from the final against Chelsea in Moscow last season, the Scot has a feeling it is about time for a two-legged domestic showdown.

"We have managed to avoid English teams whenever we have been in the quarters or semi-finals," he said.

"But it is quite possible we could play them in the European Cup this year."