The Red Devils are looking to become only the seventh team to reach three European Cup finals on the trot, a feat last achieved by Juventus in the mid-1990s.

Now they have learned United legend David Beckham will be standing in their way after the first knockout round draw pitted them into a two-legged confrontation with AC Milan early next year.

Quite aside from the Beckham aspect of that particular tie, it would be assumed that the desire to enjoy the celebrations, as United did two years ago in Moscow, would be driving them on to success.

Instead, Ferguson reveals it is the memories of failure and the knowledge of just what a grand stage United did not perform on in Rome last season which will be the major motivation.

"Winning was great in Moscow but somehow losing in Rome was even better for us," reflected the United boss.

"You realise what a big occasion it is because you are not part of the celebrations.

"When you are actually involved it tends to go over your head because it happens so quickly and everyone is in such a joyous mood.

"But when you lose the impact is far greater. It was a let-down for everyone."

That was the experience Ferguson and his players went through on an otherwise perfect night at the Stadio Olimpico.

It is one he would he would prefer not to repeat at Real Madrid's magnificent Bernabeu Stadium on May 22, although he will be straining every sinew to try to play a part.

"The hurt doesn't last long. These guys are professional players and they get on with their lives," said Ferguson.

"But the one thing that does resonate strongly is the occasion.

"Rome was a fantastic occasion. It was a beautiful night, the stadium had been revamped and the colour inside it was fantastic.

"It was a great venue for a final. Madrid is similar because that is a great venue too. Hopefully we will be there."

After supplying three semi-finalists in each of the last three seasons, it has been suggested English clubs might find it much harder to impose themselves this time around.

Holders Barcelona are obvious favourites, while Madrid's enormous spending spree, including the world record £80million purchase of Cristiano Ronaldo, highlights them as major players.

In addition, Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan will want to make an impact after years of relative failure, while just the names of Bayern Munich and AC Milan, who have 11 tournament victories between them, command attention.

The early exit of Liverpool merely confirms the view of English teams being on the slide.

Yet Ferguson does not agree with that evidence and is convinced United, Chelsea and Arsenal remain a powerful presence.

"You always have to look at the opposition and it is exactly the same as it was last season," said Ferguson.

"There aren't any changes. I don't think there are any great improvements from our opponents anywhere.

"It is all the same so we must have a chance."