Rio: Not All Euro Champs Are Great

Rio Ferdinand says winning the European Cup would be the "stuff of dreams" but insists it isn't the only criteria when determining a team's greatness.

Speaking at United's pre-match press conference on Monday, the Reds defender said: "I think teams who are considered great teams have normally won the European Cup - it does have a bearing - but I don't think it's the be all and end all.

"Some teams that have won the Champions League are not considered great teams, but if you do well domestically and then go on to win the Champions League as well, then obviously that adds to your being a good side.

"Before I came to this club, I watched many a time when I expected United to win the Champions League but they didn't, and the same thing's happened a couple of times while I've been here. Last season, for example, we had a great opportunity to go on and at least be part of the final but for whatever reason that didn't happen again.

"We'd like to change that. This club has a great history domestically and in Europe but obviously we'd like to be a bit more fruitful in this competition because we've got talent, we've got the numbers at the moment and we've got the desire to do well in it this year."

Ferdinand could captain the Reds in Tuesday's last 16, second leg match against Lyon. Club skipper Gary Neville resumed playing for the reserves only last week and his deputy Ryan Giggs is still rated doubtful after missing United's last two league games.