Ferguson sets sights on victory in Glasgow

By Pete Oliver

MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Celtic manager Gordon Strachan described Manchester United as the best team in Europe following their 3-0 defeat on Tuesday and the Scottish champions can expect little respite when the teams meet again next month.

United's emphatic victory over Celtic at Old Trafford kept them ahead of Villarreal on goal difference at the top of Group E and that is where manager Alex Ferguson is determined to stay to earn a potentially favourable draw in the last 16.

"We would like to be top of the group if we can. That's what the aim is now," Ferguson told reporters.

"We've got to go to Villarreal in the second last game and if we win at Celtic Park, it gives us that opportunity to try to top the group. We've got to think a result there gets us through."

A United win in Glasgow on November 5 would virtually guarantee the European champions a place in the knock-out phase while probably ending Celtic's slim hopes of qualification and leave them scrapping for a UEFA Cup place.

In stark contrast to their miserable away form, Celtic's home record is impressive with 13 wins and just one defeat from their last 16 group games in the Champions League.

However, United will also have the incentive of trying to avenge a shock 1-0 defeat at Celtic two years ago and if they complete their group fixtures unbeaten, it will equal the tournament record of 19 successive matches without defeat.

Ferguson added: "Knowing Celtic's record there it will be a difficult game. It will be nothing like Tuesday night.