Ferguson: Expects better in 2012/13
Although Manchester United are closing in on a 20th domestic championship, doubt has been cast on the standard of competition by the fact only one Premier League team reached the quarter-finals of any European competition.
United and Manchester City had two goes, only to be turfed out of the Europa League at the last-16 stage, leaving English teams trailing badly in the head-to-head duel with La Liga, who have five sides in the semi-finals.
It is a sharp turnaround in fortunes following the success of recent seasons, and one which Ferguson does not want to become permanent.
"It's been an unusual season for English teams," he told CNN.
"Over the last decade they have all done particularly well, getting to semi-finals, finals.
"Chelsea, ourselves, Liverpool and Arsenal have all been in finals. It's remarkable that some country has done that.
"Hopefully this is a one-off and English teams do much better next year."
Ferguson will clearly take a keen interest in Chelsea's encounter with Barcelona on Wednesday, having failed to find a way to beat the brilliant Catalans in two out of the last three finals.
However, the success of United's season hinges on the outcome of their Premier League challenge.
They head into a weekend that pits them into confrontation with Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday five points clear of City.
Defeat to lowly Wigan in midweek was a shock.
But Ferguson believes his team deserve praise rather than brickbats for their performances so far.
"We have done remarkably well," he said.
"We should get great credit for turning it around the way we have.
"The lads have done a tremendous job.
"Two months back nobody would have thought for a minute we could be in this position where we are and we have to take advantage of it."
Ferguson will recall veteran midfielder Paul Scholes, who was rested at the DW Stadium.
Scholes' absence was criticised by many United fans.
Ferguson has defended his selection policy, even if he now concedes the title battle is on again.
"The race is back on isn't it?" said Ferguson.
"They [City] have a chance don't they?
"They haven't been playing well, they've said that, but a 4-0 win is a good result at this time of the season."
