Nov 04: Former Manchester United and Rangers star Ray Wilkins believes Sir Alex Ferguson's side will complete a Champions League double over their Scottish counterparts with victory at Old Trafford. Rangers were unlucky to lose the first encounter 1-0 at Ibrox - and Wilkins refuses to write off their chances when they face United again on Tuesday.
But he insists United will emerge triumphant to take another step in their quest to bring the Champions League trophy back to Old Trafford.
Wilkins told this website: "I think United will win - but I also think we will be in for a very interesting evening.
"Rangers played so positively in the first game that they will think they have got half a chance.
"Manchester United won at the weekend, but before that was an embarrassing home defeat against Fulham, so Rangers might fancy their chances.
"Rangers have real pace up front with Peter Lovenkrands and they are a very patient side.
"If United come on to Rangers, and then Rangers hit them with their counter-attacking, it could get very interesting.
"I still think United will win because of the amount of possession they will have, but it will be one hell of a football match."
Wilkins believes the criticism aimed at the Scottish Premier League from south of the border will leave Rangers with a point to prove.
He said: "No-one likes to be told their league is so inferior that you must win something every year. It takes hard work to win things, whatever league you are in.
"What we will have is two magnificent football clubs coming head-to-head, and I feel certain Rangers will want to put on a show for the SPL.
"Manchester United will show their patience. They are superb in possession, so it will be important that Rangers are compact, because then they have the ability to break very quickly and cause problems with pace."
And Wilkins believes Ferguson's decision to rest captain Roy Keane ahead of the game is a sign of the respect he has for Rangers and the Champions League.
He said: "I think it was very high on Sir Alex's agenda when he kept Roy out to make sure he was 100%.
"He is so influential for United it is almost embarrassing. He is Sir Alex on the pitch.
"Roy is a vital component for what they produce, but it is not a matter of concern that they are so reliant on him. Nicky Butt is a fabulous player in his own right.
"I think we try to write Roy off too quickly. This year he has been magnificent and I believe he has a couple of exceptional years left in him."
Wilkins believes United are in shape for a real tilt at the Champions League this season. He said: "I think they were desperately disappointed after missing out when the final was at Old Trafford last year, so they are going to pull out all the stops this season.
"I think United have a fantastic squad, although I would love to see Sir Alex buy another forward player, but it is an outstanding squad."
Bureau Report