Given they tumbled out of the competition at the first knockout stage for the second year in succession – at the hands of eventual runners-up AC Milan – the statement is not a particularly brave one.

But it does confirm a belief within Old Trafford circles that, though the days are gone when United were automatically installed as one of the top two or three favourites, they take on Spanish contenders Villarreal with a squad capable of emulating Porto and Liverpool, surprise European champions of the last two seasons.

“We have a better chance than last year,” claimed Ferguson.

“The likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Darren Fletcher and John O’Shea are all young players who will have improved through the experiences of the past 12 months.

“Then there is Ruud van Nistelrooy who is in fantastic form. He is so much fitter than he was when we reached the knockout stages last year.

“These factors give me the confidence we will have a good campaign.”

After battering at the door of Europe’s elite for a decade, reaching four quarter-finals and two semi-finals yet winning just one final, how galling it must have been for Ferguson and his team to watch Rafael Benitez lift the trophy with arch rivals Liverpool in his very first season at Anfield.

In his autobiography Ryan Giggs admitted he did not read a paper for a week afterwards, so depressed was he about the Reds’ monumental three-goal comeback against AC Milan.

Those sentiments were shared by most United fans and even now, although he was not churlish enough to damn the triumph outright, Ferguson’s praise was faint indeed.

“I didn’t feel anything about Liverpool winning it,” said the Scot.

“Everyone who has been involved in the European Cup wishes they were there and it proved my point about English clubs getting nearer to challenging consistently in Europe, but other than that it didn’t really register.

“I don’t think it has increased the pressure on us. The final is a great occasion for the particular club who win it, which is why we hope we can do it again.”

It would be a major surprise if United failed to emerge from a group which also contains fallen giants Benfica and French makeweights Lille, but they head into the most difficult game of the section without skipper Roy Keane.

The inspirational Irishman tweaked a hamstring during a late substitute appearance against Manchester City at the weekend and with a key Premiership trip to Liverpool looming on Sunday, Ferguson opted not to risk his captain’s long-term fitness.

Keane’s absence means Alan Smith will continue in the central midfield holding role, part of a midfield which is expected to include Cristiano Ronaldo in a wider attacking role.

Ferguson did not anticipate the young Portugal winger would be available following the recent death of his father.

But after attending the funeral in Madeira on Saturday, Ronaldo astounded the United boss by turning up for training unannounced yesterday and declaring his intention to travel.

“We were surprised when Cristiano turned up because we didn’t know when he was going to come back but he says he feels fine and we are happy with that,” said Ferguson.

“He is only a young boy and you don’t know how he will react to these things but hopefully the importance of the game and the big occasion will help him.”

Ferguson strangely suggested there will be more young players than previously expected in his starting line-up, although it is difficult to imagine why he would expose the likes of Phil Bardsley, Giuseppe Rossi or Gerard Pique if more senior figures are available.

More obvious was Ferguson’s insistence that Villarreal’s star man Juan Roman Riquelme would play despite a much-publicised ankle problem and also the Scot’s unstinting praise for Forlan, who struggled so badly during his time on the pitch at United but whose friendly nature made such a lasting impression off it.

“I don’t think there are many changes in Diego,” said Ferguson, reflecting on his astounding 25-goal haul in La Liga last term.

“I liked him a lot but the lack of games just became more frustrating for him, which is why we allowed him to go.

“I knew he would do well. He is a good player and a terrific character and I am very pleased for him.”