Jose Mourinho is relishing the prospect of taking on Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in the Champions League when his Inter side join battle with the Red Devils for the first leg in Milan on Tuesday February 24.

With the second leg at Old Trafford the following Wednesday, the former Chelsea manager has good reason for optimism. His United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson has only once triumphed against a Mourinho-led side.

"Before the draw I said that I wanted United and some people thought I was crazy," Mourinho told MUTV.

"After all, why would I want the top team in Europe? But I wanted them because its a big challenge and because it will be difficult.

"Its a special draw for my players and I wont need to motivate them for this tie. The best matches to play in are against the best sides and the best side at the moment is Manchester United."

However, that sanguine attitude should be tempered by the fact that Inter as a club have never beaten United in a competitive fixture, a statisitic one senses Mourinho would definitely like to change.

"We know we can win," Mourinho added. "United are a special team with special players. They are very solid in defence and dangerous in attack.

"You look at the talent they have on the pitch and then at the bench too, and you know this will be difficult.

"My side has a lot of experience, we have a lot of talent and we know how to play the big games. It will be a close tie."