Mourinho, Sir Alex savour Madrid-United contest

José Mourinho says the world is waiting for a great Real Madrid CF v Manchester United FC game – which, for Sir Alex Ferguson, will be the acid test of his side's credentials.

José Mourinho is relishing the opportunity to renew his rivalry with Sir Alex Ferguson when Real Madrid CF host Manchester United FC in the first instalment of their round of 16 tie.

The Merengues coach has faced United twice before at this stage of the UEFA Champions League, with FC Porto in 2004 and FC Internazionale Milano five years later, and is savouring the build-up to an encounter he believes the world is "waiting for". Sir Alex concurred with his opposite number and regards the tie as the "acid test" of his side's credentials for a fourth European crown.

José summed it up perfectly when he said it's a game everyone has been waiting for. It's a fantastic challenge for us. It will be a great encounter between two teams and two clubs who embrace the best parts of football.

Right now we have everyone fit and are looking forward to the challenge. It is a good time to play Madrid, because we have a fantastic [12-point] lead in the Premier League and we have everyone fit.

Is Ronaldo a better player now [than he was at United]? Yes, absolutely. He has got that maturity. He's at the peak of his career and will be for the next three years. He was still young when he left me. You've seen how he has flourished. I never thought he would reach the goalscoring targets he has – it's phenomenal.

We have a good chance [this season], but the acid test is tomorrow and we have to get through that if we want to win it. The intention of Manchester United is always to try to win and to score, which can sometimes lead to chaos. We have to balance that with a sense of responsibility and make sure we don't leave the door open.