Bring Them On!!

United could face one of Europe’s big guns in the first knockout phase of this season’s Champions League.

The Reds’ 2-2 draw against Aalborg BK on Wednesday night cemented top spot in Group E and ensured United’s opponents in the last 16 would be a side that finished second in their group.

This season, however, those possibilities include Internazionale, Sporting Lisbon, Atletico Madrid, Olympique Lyonnais and Real Madrid. United can’t face another English side (Chelsea or Arsenal) or the second-placed side from Group E (Villarreal).

The draw will take place at 11:00 GMT on Friday 19 December in Nyon, France.

“There aren’t any easy ones. Maybe it would have been better to have finished second!” Sir Alex joked.

“The positive is that our second leg will be at home so we hope we’ll have a real chance and come back to Old Trafford to play in front of a big crowd and a good atmosphere. In that situation we want to take on anyone.

“But you look at all the possibilities and they could all be difficult. The important thing is that we’re in the next round, we’ve got the track record, we’ve got the players. Let’s go and have a go.”

UEFA Champions League

Possible opponents in first knockout phase:

Internazionale
Sporting Lisbon
Atletico Madrid
Olympique Lyonnais
Real Madrid