CSKA Coach: Reds At Their Best Since Sir Alex

CSKA Moscow will face the best Manchester United team for at least four years, according to the Russian club's head coach, when the sides meet in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday evening.

Viktor Goncharenko provided that assessment at Tuesday's pre-match press conference, where he was joined by one of his star players, midfielder Aleksandr Golovin.

"Since Sir Alex Ferguson left [in 2013], this current version of Manchester United is without any doubt, their strongest team," said Goncharenko.

"Sir Alex Ferguson created so many strong versions of Manchester United. We can compare it [the current side] with the 1999 version, the 2003 team... they have had a lot of great squads and great teams. The transfer policy that Manchester United is developing now is good and clear so they are making themselves stronger. In great clubs, it must be exactly like this."

Golovin was equally respectful of the Reds, when he was asked if there are any defenders he looks forward to pitting his attacking wits against.

"I wouldn't like to point out anyone personally because we all know that we are going to face a strong group of players," said the 21-year-old Russia international.

"We need to be as strong as possible in every part of the pitch. We need to be ready to encounter them in every area because they are so strong as a team."

CSKA's press conference followed United's media briefing, in which Jose Mourinho confirmed that three midfielders - Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba - have missed the trip. Not that Goncharenko is taking any encouragement from the absences, saying: "The characteristics of a great club is that if they lose some top players, they can compensate by bringing in other strong players.

"The players who come into the team, like [Ander] Herrera, may have different characteristics to the players who are missing, like Fellaini, but it doesn't mean that the level of the team's performance will be decreased. Maybe some things will change with respect to the set-pieces but we still won't find any weakness in our opponents there."

As for his own team's strengths, Goncharenko commented: "I have no doubts that we have a lot of experience and class. Our task is to find some weak points in the opposition and put pressure there.

"We know there will be a great atmosphere at our wonderful stadium and we will be well supported. Our team is going to be so hugely motivated and focused on the match.

"Despite having spoken a lot about the strong qualities of Manchester United, in any game against any opponent, we can change the course of the match.

"We have to keep looking for our chances and soon as our supporters are feeling that we are close to achieving a great performance and a great result, then I am sure that we can succeed a lot."