Fergie Set To Make Changes For Champions League

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits will call upon his more experienced members of the squad as the Premiership champions get this European venture underway.

United take on Benfica on tonight and Fergie admits the United squad will not boast the youthful look that has seen the side win their four opening league games.

“My team in Lisbon might be different on an issue of experience,” Ferguson told United’s official website.

“We’ve also got Darren Fletcher back fit. He’s looking good and did well with Scotland last week. I think we’ll need to have more experience in the game.

“The important thing is to qualify. Benfica away from home is the kind of the game you have to respect.”

The Scot admits picking his midfield will be his toughest decision.

“I think the hardest part for us will be picking the midfield in that particular game,” added the manager. “That area will be the biggest challenge.

“They operate with three midfield players in there. They don’t play anyone off the front. They play three actual midfield players so we’ll have to have a look at that.”

The United veteran boss admits the Portuguese outfit will pose their biggest threat in Group C, with Swiss side FC Basel and Romania’s Otelul Galati completing the set.

“The opening game is the toughest for us,” added Ferguson. “Benfica are always a handful and we always expect a difficult game.

“I watched a couple of their games away from home last season and they were absolutely brilliant.”

Submitted by Football Friends