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Fergie: Man Utd can surpass Liverpool in Europe

Sir Alex Ferguson has his eye on more UCL titles © Getty Images

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Sir Alex Ferguson has vowed to eclipse Liverpool's record of five European Cup wins, setting his sights on a final, defining landmark in his record-breaking era at Manchester United.

After United progressed to the last 16 of this season's Champions League with a victory against Braga on Wednesday night, Ferguson suggested one of his final targets as Old Trafford chief will be to match and beat the proud European record cherished by all Liverpool fans.

Admitting his biggest regret as United boss is not pushing the club into the elite band of teams who have won Europe's top prize time and again, Ferguson seems determined to stay in charge for long enough to set the record straight.

United have won the competition now known as the Champions League on just three occasions in 1968, 1999 and 2008. But their veteran manager is eager to move them up the Champions League winner's list before he heads into retirement.

"In terms of the history of our club, we should have won more European titles and I want to win it again and get into the bracket of winners like Liverpool, our biggest rivals, Bayern Munich and Ajax," said Ferguson.

"I get really frustrated when I think about the opportunities we have had to win it, but you can't be greedy. You look at my career and I have won two European Cups and the Cup-winners' Cup and I am proud of that, but I want more in the Champions League and we really have a chance to push for that in the next few years.

"Barcelona and Real Madrid will go close again this year, but I think the English teams will do well again. I also think a threat will come from Borussia Dortmund, who have looked good in the competition so far this season."

Meanwhile, Ferguson hailed the impact made by Robin van Persie after he scored another goal for United in the 3-1 win against Braga, giving him a total of 11 goals from his first 14 appearances for the club since his summer move from Arsenal.

"We have bought a player of great maturity at the peak of his career," stated Ferguson. "He looks after himself and is a fit lad. Hopefully will give us four or five years because so far he has been absolutely fantastic.

"Robin was instrumental in getting us further up the fied (against Braga). We played a little bit more in behind their midfield once Robin came on, and obviously he took his goal really well. It fell to him in a very good position on his left foot, he saw the goalkeeper probably trying to get to the ball a bit too quickly, and managed to hit it into the back of the net. It was a great finish."

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