Ferguson champions European Cup format as Smalling gets opportunity

Europe's biggest domestic club competition has had its detractors in recent times. Some critics believe the new qualification rules, instigated by UEFA president Michel Platini to get a wider representation across the continent as a whole, have made the group phase less competitive.

Even though United started this season's competition with a home draw against Rangers, they could virtually book their knock-out phase berth with two games to spare should results fall their way tonight at Bursaspor.

But compared with the drab fare served up in South Africa this summer, he has no doubt which tournament he would prefer to be involved with.

"Have you seen the last six World Cups? It is better going to the dentist I suppose," he said.

"It is a natural thing. If you look at the great teams in the European Cup now and think of the Premier League, you are not going to get the same crowd for Arsenal playing a lower team in the league, or the same tension and drama as you would Arsenal against Manchester United.

"It is the same in the Champions League. Inter Milan playing one of the smaller teams will not get the same crowd.

"The important thing is the Champions League has proved itself since its inception.

"It is better than the World Cup. It is unbelievable. There are some fantastic games.

"Yes, you have to get through the group stages before you get to the really exciting stage but it is a fantastic tournament," said Ferguson.

Rio Ferdinand will miss tonight's game as Ferguson places his trust in Chris Smalling to partner Nemanja Vidic in central defence.

However, in addition to Ferdinand, who is being rested, Jonny Evans, Federico Macheda, Darron Gibson and Anderson are all missing with a virus, in addition to Wayne Rooney (ankle) and Michael Owen (hamstring).

Ryan Giggs (hamstring) also misses out but could be fit for next week's Manchester derby at Eastlands.