Sir Alex’s men find out on Thursday who they’ll face in this season’s UEFA Champions League group stage. And whoever the Reds are drawn alongside, Dimitar Berbatov is confident United will excel.

In fact, the Bulgarian striker says he’s already dreaming of lifting the trophy in Madrid next May.

“After what happened in last year’s final I think we’re even more determined in Europe this time around,” he told ManUtd.com.

“For me, losing in Rome was doubly frustrating because I wasn’t at the club when the team won in Moscow – I’ve never won the Champions League so losing to Barcelona was very upsetting.

“This year our aim is to make it all the way to Madrid. The Bernabeu is one of the best stadiums in the world and I know we’re good enough to make it back there and, this time, win it.”

Berbatov expects the defending champions Barcelona to be tough to beat, but warned “there are many clubs with very, very good players”.

“And remember,” he said, “when you say the name Manchester United it inspires respect in a lot of people. Nobody will fancy playing us.”

ManUtd.com will bring you live coverage of the group-stage draw, which takes place in Monaco on Thursday 27 August at 17:00 BST.