YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP):

MANCHESTER UNITED will be aiming to fill one of the few gaps in their trophy cabinet when they meet Ecuador's Liga de Quito in today's final of the Club World Cup.

United will go into the final as favourites to take a title that no English club has won. The Red Devils participated in the first Club World Cup in 2000 without making the final, while Liverpool lost the 2005 decider.

Liga are an unheralded oppo-nent, having qualified for the competition by becoming the first Ecuador club to win South America's Copa Libertadores, yet United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is expecting a challenge.

"It's fair to say they are a very good team," Ferguson said yesterday. "Like most South American clubs they are resilient and powerful and that will be the case tomorrow," he said.

Liga defeated Mexico's Pachuca 2-0 on Wednesday to reach today's final with the English giants, who advanced after a 5-3 win over Japan's Gamba Osaka.

Up to the challenge

Liga coach Edgardo Bauza said his team was up to the challenge of taking on one of the world's most powerful clubs.

"I know we are seen as the underdogs," said Bauza. "But we are strong and courageous and I am sure we will put in a great performance tomorrow," he said.

In 1999, United did win the predecessor to the Club World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup which matched the European and South American champions.

Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes remain from that team, having witnessed a new generation of stars emerge, headed by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ferguson was rich in his praise for Ronaldo yesterday, with fresh speculation Spanish giants Real Madrid are renewing their interest in the Portugese star.

"Cristiano is similar to Pele and Maradona in that as a star or a young player with potential, he has made an impact very early in his career," Ferguson said.

Ronaldo has quickly got back near his best form after a delayed start to the season following ankle surgery, and looked sharp in Thursday's semi-final against Gamba, scoring once in United's 5-3 victory.

Ronaldo was named European Footballer of the Year in 2008 and is widely expected to win FIFA World Player of the Year honours in January.

Ferguson said the only things missing from Ronaldo's career are longevity and the chance to play for a World Cup-winning side.

"Cristiano has a lot of things in his favour to go on and become a legend, though. All he needs now is time," Ferguson said.