Reds land in Lisbon

United touched down in sunny Portugal at midday on Tuesday for the Reds' opening Group H Champions League qualifier against Sporting Lisbon.

The match, which kicks off on Wednesday night at 19:45 BST, pits United against Portuguese opposition in the group stage for the third consecutive year and sees Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani return to their former club.

United attract attention wherever they go, but scenes at Lisbon's Portela airport were feverish as local press jostled in the arrivals lounge for glimpses of the players before a police escort whisked the United party to its headquarters.

The last time the Reds were in Portugal, a Louis Saha goal was enough to give United a 1-0 win over Benfica in the Estadio da Luz. Sir Alex will undoubtedly be pleased with a similar result tomorrow as the Reds seek a positive start in Group F.