Boss Reacts To Club Brugge Tie

Louis van Gaal says he is looking forward to Manchester United's Champions League play-off against Club Brugge, a club he has personally faced in the past as a player and manager.

The Reds will host the Belgian side at Old Trafford on 18 August, before travelling to Brugge for the return leg eight days later.

A place in the group stages is at stake and van Gaal says he and his players are determined to ensure safe progression to the Champions League proper.

"The club and myself have great history in the Champions League and although it is not ideal to have to qualify, we are looking forward to the challenge ahead against Club Brugge," he told ManUtd.com.

"This is the first time the two clubs have played against each other. It will be an interesting tie, Club Brugge are a good side, they reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League and finished second in the Belgian League last season.

"It will be nice to go back to Belgium, I have good memories of my time playing there for Antwerp. In fact my debut for Antwerp was against Club Brugge and during my time as manager at Barcelona we played them in the group stages.

"Over two legs we have to be confident against any team, we are determined to progress in the competition."