- even if garnered away from home - does not mean he and his troops can start plotting a potential rematch of a 2009 final lost to the Catalan club.
United, sitting on a seven-point lead over Arsenal in the Premier League - though the Gunners have a game in hand - appear set for domestic glory. A 19th title, and 12th for their long-serving manager, would be an English record, taking the Red Devils ahead of Liverpool.
But while United are heading for a hat-trick of Premier League crowns, Ferguson also wants his own Champions League treble after 1999 and 2008 - the second coming at Chelsea's expense.
After Wayne Rooney secured a first win at Stamford Bridge in almost a decade United are cast in the role of favourites - but their manager says they must concentrate on ramming home their advantage.
Ferguson rang the changes for Saturday's win over Fulham but complained afterwards that "we were a bit casual and lackadaisical."
He conceded that "at this stage of the season winning is the name of the game" - a philosophy which applies equally to the Chelsea return, even if a draw would suffice.
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti must hope his misfiring £50 million striker Fernando Torres can break his duck at Old Trafford after 648 goalless minutes since arriving from Liverpool.
Ancelotti benched Torres for Saturday's win over Wigan but has the luxury of having experienced alternatives in Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.
Chelsea captain John Terry, whose missed penalty in Moscow cost the Londoners a first European crown in Moscow three seasons ago, insists one goal will open the floodgates for the Spaniard.
"It's just a case of getting that first goal, getting that off your shoulders, and then you can move on," he said.
Ancelotti was being coy ahead of the game regarding his choice of strike force for a game which could now make or break the Blues' season.
"Maybe he will score the most important goal of our season at Old Trafford, who knows. But I do not know who is in the side yet," Ancelotti remarked.
Chelsea did triumph in the league at Old Trafford last season 2-1 and a repeat would send them through - but the impetus appears to be with their rivals, particularly given that only twice in Champions League history has a team prevailed in a knockout tie after losing a first leg match at home.
Awaiting the winners will likely be German surprise package Schalke 04, who thumped holders Inter Milan 5-2 at San Siro in their first leg.
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