United 'simply tremendous'

United are good enough to challenge on all fronts this season, according to Red legend and MUTV commentator Paddy Crerand.

Crerand, a member of United's 1968 European Cup-winning side, said the Reds' performance in Kyiv was as good as, if not better than, the sparkling 4-1 win at Villa Park last Saturday.

"I thought United played exceptionally well against Dynamo Kyiv," Crerand told MUTV.

"People will turn around and say Kyiv weren't particularly good, but I think they weren't that good because United were simply tremendous.

"United played very well and deserved the victory. In fact, they could have scored seven or eight goals tonight.

"Unfortunately Paul Scholes picked up a knock during training on Monday and we also have Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves injured. But if we can get those three midfielders back in the side sooner rather than later, United are going to be a threat across every trophy."

Ironically, Brazilian playmaker Anderson, singled out for praise by Crerand, may not have figured in Sir Alex's starting XI had that midfield trio been fit.

"Anderson played tremendously well. What a great experience that would have been for the young kid. He was fantastic at Aston Villa on Saturday and he played exceptionally well again in Kyiv.

"It was his first game in Europe, and away from home as well. He wasn't able to do much pre-season training as he picked up an injury against Doncaster but now he has a few competitive games under his belt and we're seeing what he's capable of."