When the facts and tactics of ManUre's European campaigns are taken into account, Manure, boasting two of the best young players in Europe and one of the world’s best defenders, still cannot win away from Old Trafford. Fergie's team have slipped to defeat in three of their last four Champions League away matches and eight of the previous 13 games.

How long does Fergie keep chasing the dream? How long do United let him chase it? One Final in 21 years under Fergie is pathetic. Are they content with just domestic dominance or do they really want to move to the next higher level? The crushing reality for United fans is that things appear to have come full circle and in Europe at least, United are chasing Liverpool again.