Sir Alex's European Vow

Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to his team's experience - but feels Manchester United should always aim to be participating in the last four of the Champions League.

United, striving to take over domestically as England's most-successful club if the Reds can win a record 19th title, are also eyeing European rivals when it comes to winning trophies.

Sir Alex admits he is jealous of clubs like AC Milan, Ajax and Real Madrid's record in the competition but is pleased to have so many players fit and available for the tough semi-final trip to Schalke.

"The present group have a lot of experience in Europe now. The semi-finals is where we should be, you get envious of other clubs with great records in Europe.

"We're trying to get parity with the likes of Real Madrid."

England internationals Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney will be key figures for the Reds in the away leg at the Veltins-Arena after playing in the stadium during the World Cup defeat to Portugal on penalties in 2006.

"Rio's experience showed itself in the first leg against Chelsea," added the boss. "He was immense. Experience and ability is vital in the situations we have at the moment. He's fresh and ready to play and it's a big boost for us.

"Wayne's form has been fantastic the last two months. The more important thing is the freshness that has come into the team with players coming back. Anderson, Rio, [Antonio] Valencia and [Ji-sung] Park.

"Sometimes it happens that way. When big competitions come along, you find all your players are fit. It brings selection headaches but they're the ones you want.

"There is an expectation of the boy [Rooney]. He's stepped up to the mark to that. It's all down to him, no-one else.

"This is a team that will not give in. There's absolutely no chance of that. That's a great quality. You saw that against Everton."