EURO DRAW NOT BAD

Last updated : 01 August 2004 By Editor

Fergie happy too, presumably writing off FC Zilina's chances:

"Going on the past history of Dinamo Bucharest who we know about very well it could be a tricky draw.

"It is not one we will treat lightly. I am expecting it to be Dinamo who we will meet. We are preparing for a tough game. Hopefully, now we can manoeuvre around that one and make the group stage."

"Bucharest is only two-and-a-half hours away, so we don't have the length of travel that we might have got.

"And when you look at the draw and see Benfica playing against Anderlecht, that is something else we are glad to have avoided."

Ken Ramsden is wheeled out from somewhere: "It was important to get the first leg on a Wednesday, purely from a logistical perspective.

"I am glad we have managed that. At least Sir Alex can thank me for something, even if the draw itself could have been a bit easier.

"We estimate at least 2,000 fans will want to travel.

"Our supporters seem to respond to the prospect of playing in places the Champions League doesn't normally take us to. It was the same when we were drawn to play in Hungary two years ago, so unless we can get more tickets, demand will far exceed supply.''


And this from Teamtalk:

Manchester United will demand an increased ticket allocation for their Champions League qualifier against probable opponents Dinamo Bucharest.

The Romanian title winners confirmed on Friday they intend to play the home leg in their cramped 15,000 Stefan cel Mare stadium.

While Sir Alex Ferguson's request for an 11 August European date has been met, Red Devils officials are busily trying to secure more than the 750 tickets they are entitled to under Uefa regulations.

Dinamo look certain to book a two-legged meeting with United next week, having secured a 1-0 first leg lead from their second qualifying round visit to Slovakia's MSK Zilina.