Gill unconcerned with Roma draw
Sir Alex Ferguson is confident his team will progress
Also In The News
|
EMI, out now
In a nutshell. |  |
Thursday, 30, Aug 2007 08:35
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has played down fears of a repeat of the crowd trouble that marred United's away fixture against Roma in last year's Champions League after the two teams were today drawn in the same group for this year's competition.
The Reds won last season's quarter-final fixture 8-3 on aggregate, which included a stunning 7-1 victory at Old Trafford.
But the first leg in Rome was remembered for the violence between the two sets of fans that occurred during the game.
Gill, however, said that he hopes this year's matches against their Italian opponents are "remembered for what happens on the pitch and not off it".
"We need to do our homework but I am not concerned at all," said Gill.
"We must make sure that our fans travel in comfort and safety. It is a new season and we are looking forward to it."
Aside from Roma, United will also have to tackle Dynamo Kiev, and Sporting Lisbon, which will mean a return to their former club for Portuguese pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.
"It is a very tight group," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Dynamo Kiev are a good side. The whole group possesses some very interesting aspects.
"We also have two of Sporting Lisbon's former players, so we know a bit about them.
"We hope we can get ten points. It will be difficult but if we can get that I think we will qualify."