Benfica clash evokes Busby memories for Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson wants to do justice to the memory of Sir Matt Busby when Manchester United take on Benfica at Old Trafford tonight.

While the Portuguese giants are not one of the favourites for this season's Champions League, they do have a rich history in the competition — and against United.

Winners twice, Benfica were beaten finalists in 1968 when United became the first English team to lift the European Cup. Two years earlier, George Best had set the world alight with a mesmeric performance against the Eagles at the Stadium of Light.

"We will try to do justice to the memory of Sir Matt's tussles with Benfica in the old days because people of vision are rare," Ferguson told United Review.

"I always felt Jock Stein knew what was needed for football, and so did Sir Matt. I just hope I measure up in that way."

Ferguson's own legacy is set after an incredible 25 years in the Old Trafford hotseat. But Busby is revered as the man who changed the course of British football by openly defying the Football League in 1956 by sending United into European combat.