United better equipped for Europe

Mikael Silvestre insists Manchester United are better equipped to make a major impact in the Champions League this season.

United open their latest assault on Europe in a mouthwatering clash with Celtic tonight, eager to atone for their humiliation 12 months ago when they were dumped out in the group phase.

Although £18.6million midfielder Michael Carrick is the only addition to the squad that failed so miserably last time around, hope is high around Old Trafford of a far better showing.

The optimism has partly been fuelled by an encouraging start to the new campaign which has seen the Red Devils zoom to the Premiership summit with four successive wins. But Silvestre also believes United are drawing on experience gained during the World Cup.

"It is amazing to see how much more mature the players are," said Silvestre, who was on the bench for most of France's run to the final. "You can see a big difference from the end of last season to the beginning of this one and we are definitely better equipped now.

"What happened last year was a big disappointment for all of us. For a club of Manchester United's size, it was a very early exit and we do not want it to happen again.

"But, if we start in the Champions League like we have in the Premiership, we should be okay."

Even though his nationality precludes him from getting too involved in the intense rivalry between the biggest clubs from either side of Hadrian's Wall, Silvestre is aware of the need for victory.

For his manager, Glasgow-born and a former Rangers player, the desire is magnified immeasurably.

Yet, while Sir Alex Ferguson admits it will be an emotional occasion from a personal perspective, he wants to sidestep the jingoistic national fervour and concentrate on ensuring his team meet the standards he knows they are capable of.

Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension is counter-balanced by the return of Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes from their domestic three-match bans.