RYAN Giggs is convinced the high and mighty of European football will live in fear of being drawn against Manchester United in the Champions League knockout phase.
After a one-year sabbatical, United booked their customary place in the second stage with a win over Benfica at Old Trafford last night.
Although the Red Devils suffered a major scare when Nelson gave the visitors a first-half lead, they eventually cruised to victory, taking advantage of Celtic's defeat in Copenhagen to top Group F and earn a top seeding for the last 16 draw on December 15.
The merit of winning their section is debatable given Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid and Serie A leaders Inter Milan are all prospective opponents.
Yet, rather than worry about who United might get, Giggs feels it is the rest of Europe's elite who will be concerned about drawing his own side.
"There are a lot of massive teams in the next round but if we are still in the same form when the knockout stages are played as we are at the moment, no-one will want to play against us," said the veteran Welshman.
Relish
"You have to produce good football, that is how you put teams on the back foot and make them scared of you. That is what we have done this year.
"Nobody is going to relish coming to Old Trafford in the form we are showing."
Giggs was one of the inspirations behind United's win, netting the all-important second with a header after Cristiano Ronaldo had provided a sensational cross from the right.
It was his 138th goal for United and sets him up perfectly for Saturday's Manchester derby when he will complete another amazing personal milestone.
In turning out for the 688th time, he will join Bill Foulkes in second spot on United's all-time appearance lists, trailing only Sir Bobby Charlton, who appeared for the Red Devils on 754 occasions.
Yet, just like the mountain of winners' medals which make him the most decorated player in United history, Giggs attaches no special significance to this weekend, other than it being another important step on what he hopes is the path to a ninth Premiership title.
"Records are not something I look at whilst I am still playing," he said.
"It is probably something I will look back on when I am finished and be proud of but at the moment I concentrate on other things like playing well."
Who are the favourites for the Champions League? Have your say.
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Bring Lille!!!!!!!!!!
What a bunch of rubbish from Giggs. It's Lyon's title. On another note, 1-0 City Sat at the Swamp.
I've been picking Lyon from the start. They will take some stopping. Chelsea have the type of game to win in Europe. Not pretty but effective.
If we buy right in January, we will be tough to beat but with everybody it will get down to key injuries and here is where Chelsea have the edge except in strikers. If they were to lose Drogba and Makalele from his mid field role, they would not be the same team.
Not many top strikers out there.
Can ARSENAL help us on Sunday? Thoughts anyone?
Why does everyone keep saying we suffered a bit of a scare when that goal went in, it was pretty early on really, if it was 20 mins form the end to put them 1-0 up then I would have been scared then! Favourites for the Champions League have to be for most people Barca as they have yet to have Eto'o and Messi back from injury, and Chelsea look strong and focused on winning it this year. I honestly don't think United could win it this year and even if we get Hargreaves who I think could have definitely helped us get far in the comp, he is cup-tied so that's a non-starter. I think we needed a midfielder far greater than we needed to bring in Larsson, especially as we have Solskjaer, Smith and Rossi will be back too, I think Senna would have been a great buy in hindsight, especially as would have been only a few million quid; does anyone know if he can play in Europe if we were to make a fresh bid in January? Although I can't see him coming now as we had more-or-less signed him, then ditched him at the last minute which was pretty bad form on United's behalf as he was very keen to join us....
I would love to draw Real Madrid.
United at the moment is a real strong team. (Well when they play seriously though, not like with Celtic & Copenhagen)
Plus, we get to see Becks+Rudd play against MU. Oh what a night will that be when MU kick ass!
well, if our chances keep on getting slammed by all the so called "experts" and we can make our way through in the shadow of the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona then I am happy. This United side is the best I have seen in a long time and believe me, nobody wants to draw us, it would be a disaster for Real Madrid or Barcelona to draw us, we're playing brilliantly and our boys look hungry. I eagerly anticipate the draw.
Favourites for the Champions League Chelski,Barca followed by 12 others. UNITED are the underdogs we only have a young team with some footballing pensioners thrown in.You don't win anything with kids and pensioners! But we can hope!
A ninth title medal for Giggs is what I want to see this season, excluding any January transfer of course.
I would have to say Barcelona would be favorite followed by Chelsea and Man Utd with Lyon as the dark horse!