Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie: Lyon the toughest

21 Dec 2007 - 14:32:19

Click To Enlarge

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted a meeting with Lyon was the toughest tie Manchester United could have received in the Champions League first knockout stage draw.

United must overcome the current French league leaders to reach the quarter-finals of Europe's premier club competition.

The Red Devils could have been drawn against one from Celtic, Olimpiacos, Fenerbahce, Schalke or Lyon at the draw in Nyon, but although bemoaning his side's luck, Ferguson believes his players have the quality to beat the French club.

"Maybe it is the hardest of the five we could have got," he said.

"Lyon have won the French championship for the last six years, which is incredible given the number of players they have lost over the last few years.

"It will not be an easy game, but hopefully by the time we get there we will have all our squad available.

"That's a pre-requisite for the challenge anyway. If I can pick the team I want I think we will have a good chance.

"It's not easy but you don't expect easy games at this stage in the European Cup."

Meanwhile, Ferguson refused to comments on the week's events which saw teenage defender Jonny Evans arrested on suspicion of rape following the club's Christmas party at a Manchester hotel.

The 19-year-old Northern Ireland international was questioned before being released on police bail.