Manchester United's influx of summer signings will help
them mount a stronger challenge in Europe next season, Alex
Ferguson said on Monday.
"I have said many times that we should have done better in Europe.
Last season was the third (Champions League) semi-final we have
failed in and we don't like that," manager Ferguson told a news
conference.
United won their first English league title for four years in May
but their Champions League hopes were dashed in a semi-final defeat
by AC Milan.
Ferguson has since strengthened his squad with England midfielder
Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich, winger Nani from Sporting
Lisbon and Brazilian international Anderson from Porto.
Argentina striker Carlos Tevez is also set to sign and Ferguson
believes United will be better equipped to try and win the European
Cup for the third time, second in his reign after their victory in
1999.
"We think we should be doing better and I think signing these
players does give us a bigger chance," he said.
"It brings us quality, experience of Europe and a good intensity of
play so I'm very hopeful that we can do better."
United were on course for a possible treble last season but were
undermined by injuries in the run-in, also losing to Chelsea in the
FA Cup final.
"I think it gives us a really strong squad for next year. That was
maybe our downfall last season," Ferguson added.
"When it came to the final part of the season we just didn't have
enough of a squad to handle all the competitions we were in."