UNITED SEEK 6,000 TICKETS DEAL WITH CELTIC

Last updated : 25 August 2006 By Editor
RI has been told from a source close to Celtic that both sides are discussing a deal so that away fans will be allocated 6000 tickets each for the games involving the clubs. Whilst it's hard to believe club officials could be guilty of such common sense, we're assured that this is the case.

The full list of match dates:

Wed 13 Sep v Celtic (H)
Tues 26 Sep v Benfica (A)
Tues 17 Oct v Copenhagen (H)
Wed 1 Nov v Copenhagen (A)
Tues 21 Nov v Celtic (A)
Wed 6 Dec v Benfica (H)


David Gill on the draw:

"It's a great draw. The Celtic games will be great for everyone, particularly the fans and Sir Alex Ferguson. There's a real affinity between United and Celtic [see how far that lasts into a real game]. We get on very well at all levels and that relationship has stood the test of time.
"We played them in Roy Keane's testimonial in May and the atmosphere that night was fantastic. But now we've got a competitive fixture I'm sure it'll go up by a good few decibels so we're really looking forward to that.

"Benfica put us out of the competition last season so we've got a chance to get revenge. We've obviously got a great history and tradition with them as well. Then we have the newcomers Copenhagen so it's an exciting draw.

"We went out of the competition much too early last season. We have the squad, the stadium and the fans to be there and we're looking forward to a great campaign this season.

"Every football team in the competition wants to get as far as they can. That's very important from a footballing perspective and that's our key. If you do that then the finances will follow. Our budgets aren't based on proceeding to the final, nevertheless we want to be in the Champions League and doing well."


Fergie:

"After last year, I have a great thirst about the Champions League. We have to repay our fans and the club for the disappointment of last season. We won't let them down again."


Gordon Strachan:

"I am fed up with the sight of Manchester United. We have played them twice in the past four months.

"They are on fire and the overwhelming favourites but, looking at some of the other groups, we are grateful for what we got."