COMING to a TV set near you soon: the closest football has ever come to producing its version of the Harlem Globetrotters.

This evening Manchester United will take on arguably the most talented - and certainly the most expensive - team ever assembled.

This bunch of supremely gifted footballers go under the name of Real Madrid, and it is United's task tonight to derail their assault on a remarkable tenth European Cup.

Their side reads like a Who's Who of the world greats - Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Raul...

Do they have a weakness? Well, their progress to the Champions League quarter-finals has not been totally convincing.

But after a slow start to the Primera Liga season, Real hold a six-point lead and can afford a siesta before regaining the Spanish title.

Certainly, the adage that a good team will always beat a great set of individuals has been dismissed by Vicente del Bosque's all-stars.

Perhaps it took a month or two for Ronaldo to settle in at the Bernebau, but thereafter some of their football has been irresistible.

If Real neutralise Ruud van Nistelrooy, it's hard to see where United would get the goals to win the tie. Should Ronaldo have a quiet night, however, Zidane is ready to inspire his team.

And don't forget Raul, who has scored more Champions League goals than any player.

Just how do you prepare to take on such a talented side, especially at their own ground?

Well, United could no doubt point to the creditable goalless draw that they chiselled out at the Bernebau exactly three years ago.

Since then, though, Real have signed Ronaldo and Zidane - and won the Champions League on two occasions, too.

The Brazilian and Frenchman, whose goals have won their respective nations the last two World Cups, cost a combined £65m.

Their capture underlines Real's financial might - though they were helped by the local council buying their training ground for £298m as the club fought against a £180m debt.

It is pure fantasy football, and United will carry the hopes of the other six sides left in the Champions League when they enter the Bernebau tonight.

In 2000, the Harlem Globetrotters lost for the first time in 1,270 outings.

Real's current run isn't quite that impressive. But the task of defeating the pride of Spain is no less daunting for United.