Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson stated on Wednesday that claiming the FIFA Club World Cup title is a matter of the utmost importance.

"This tournament can add prestige to a football club which is why we are here and why we want to win," he said during a press conference.

"We could look back in 30 years and say that Manchester United were the world champions in 2008. That is what this club is about and that is why it is important for us to win it."

The European champions are clashing with Japan's Gamba Osaka in the semi-final round on Thursday.

"Playing different types of opposition will certainly do us no harm, but the big incentive is to win the Club World Cup," he continued.

Injured Strikers

The 66-year-old tactician revealed that Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov has been sidelined due to severe flu.

"He's been in bed since we arrived on Monday," Ferguson said.

"He's picked up a virus, whether on the plane journey we're unsure, but he's not very well at the moment."

Hitman Wayne Rooney is also doubtful, as he picked up a knock in training.

"Rooney was injured in training on Tuesday but we hope he will be fit. Other than that everyone else is fit," the coach added.

Moreover, Ferguson confirmed that Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has recuperated from a hip injury, and would feature in Thursday's encounter.

Experience

The Scotsman dished out praise for experienced trio Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville.

He stressed that he's going to rely on experience to vanquish the Asian champions, saying the three veterans' participation would definitely be vital.

"The record they have with us speaks for itself," Ferguson said of the trio.

"This is a big-game situation and experience will be important.

"Ryan has done 21 years with us, Gary 19 and Paul Scholes 19 years and that is exceptional -- absolutely exceptional."

Best Squad

Ferguson is convinced that he has an abundance of remarkable players at his disposal.

The Scottish manager, who has been in charge of the Red Devils since 1986, believes that the Premier League giants are having the best selection throughout the last 12 years.

However, he admitted that he usually suffers headaches when he selects the starting eleven.

"I think this is our best squad in my time," said Ferguson proudly.

"There are difficulties in that, because through managing there is disappointment. You can only play 11 players.

"To put an international player in the stand (is hard) because one, it could be regarded as an insult to him.

"It's a problem for me because you feel embarrassed to ask a really top player not to be involved in a game. They expect to play."