Draw Whets Gill's Appetite

United chief executive David Gill declared himself satisfied with the draw for the Champions League group stage – even if he'd rather have avoided Wolfsburg.

Gill was at the draw in Monaco on Thursday to see the Reds pitted against the Bundesliga champions, arguably the most difficult proposition in Pot 4, as well as Russians CSKA Moscow and Turkish outfit Besiktas, who United play first on 15 September.

"I think Pot 4 was the interesting one," Gill told Sky Sports. "Most clubs would have preferred not to get the German champions but we got them. Overall we have to be happy and we look forward to kicking things off against Besiktas in a few weeks’ time."

The Reds will have to do a fair amount of travelling around Europe this season, but Gill believes that will not have too great an impact on the team domestically.

"I think you can get psyched out by that sort of thing [travel affecting United]," Gill continued. "I’m sure it won’t affect those European games or the Premier League games either side of them.

"We’re looking forward to going back to Moscow – there were great scenes there back in 2008 so we’re excited by that. It’s a new season and we’re looking forward to it."

United have never faced any of the three teams but Gill is confident that thorough preparation will ensure last season's beaten finalists come out on top of Group B.

"It’s important to win the group so you have the advantage of playing at home in the second leg of the first knockout game," Gill added. "I’m sure the guys are now beginning to do their homework and assess the teams, so Sir Alex has the information he needs."