The Russian champions face Manchester United in Monaco on Friday night where Advocaat will come up against Old Trafford boss Ferguson for the first time.

Zenit are in Monaco courtesy of their UEFA Cup final win over Advocaat's former side Rangers in Manchester last season, while the Red Devils' Champions League victory over Chelsea in Moscow was Ferguson's second triumph in the competition and represented yet another landmark in a trophy-filled career.

Advocaat, speaking in Monaco ahead of the Champions League draw where his side go in to the pot as third seeds, was insistent Ferguson's record and abilities transcends Europe.

He said: "He's not just the top manager in Europe, he's top of the world.

"You can't work at that level and stay with one club for so long if you do not have exceptional qualities, it is so difficult.

"So, for me, he is the best manager in the world and the one everyone else has to look up to.

"I know Sir Alex but I haven't played against him, so I am looking forward to the game which I know will be very difficult."

Advocaat confirmed unsettled striker Andrei Arshavin, who has been continually linked with Tottenham, has travelled with the Zenit squad along with new signing Danni, who joined from Dinamo Moscow for a Russian record fee of 30 million euros.

Advocaat, however, was reluctant to discuss Arshavin's chances of playing in the prestige match.

He said: "He is with us but I will see tomorrow if he plays or not, I have not yet made up my mind."

But the Zenit boss did confirm striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, who missed Euro 2008 because of knee problems, will feature against the English and European champions.