United - Has the Champions League Gone Stale?

I heaved a sigh of relief when the Champions League format was revised from two group stages to one, but is the format now going a little stale?

I accept that the 'smaller` countries have a right to participate and I acknowledge that many fight their way through numerous qualification rounds to get as far as the group stages, but I can`t help thinking the group stages are a little flat and that they lack the excitement of the knockout stages.

That very thought was offered as a question to Sir Alex Ferguson at the pre-match press briefing ahead of our Champions League tie with Bursaspor. Sir Alex, accepted the point but did his best to talk up the competition as being top-notch, when he commented,

"It`s a natural thing. You won`t get the same crowd or attention or drama if you see Arsenal against a lower team rather than against Manchester United in the Premier League."

"But this is the best tournament in the world for me, a fantastic tournament, and it is better than the World Cup in my opinion."

"Have you seen the last six World Cups? It`s like going to the dentist."

"In the Champions League you get some unbelievable games. The group stage is just something you have to get through before it becomes exciting."

Is Sir Alex right?

Is the Champions League the most exciting tournament out there for us?

Or do you prefer the weekly bustle of the Premier League?

We`d definitely be interested to know your thoughts on this matter!




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