Sir Alex Ferguson: 'Barcelona are extraordinary'

Sir Alex Ferguson has said that Barcelona are "an extraordinary team" and expects them to retain the Champions League.

The Manchester United manager believes that no other side will stop the Catalan giants in this year's European campaign.

The Scot also admitted that Barcelona are better than his own side, with Real Madrid "probably the nearest" to the reigning Champions League winners.

"I can't see anyone taking the trophy from them," said Ferguson

"Sometimes in football you have to hold your hand up and say, yeah, they're better than us.

"It's just plain facts that the Barcelona team just now, particularly with Lionel [Messi] in their side, are just an extraordinary team."

Ferguson was speaking at the annual FIFA awards ceremony.