Man Utd vs Dynamo Kiev: Ferguson targets Champions League success

MANCHESTER, England, (AFP) - Alex Ferguson is convinced his Manchester United squad is now strong enough to deliver the second Champions League triumph of the Scot's 21-year reign at Old Trafford.

Ferguson hopes to mark the anniversary of his appointment as United manager with victory over Dynamo Kiev which will secure United's place in the knock-out stages of the competition with two qualifying group games still remaining.

While progression into the later rounds has rarely been a problem for Ferguson's sides in recent years, they have repeatedly failed to add to their 1999 final appearance, reaching the quarter-final three times and twice going out in the last four.

Last season United again stumbled, falling to eventual winners AC Milan at the semi-final stage

But Ferguson believes that having added Carlos Tevez, Nani, Owen Hargreaves and Anderson to last year's pool of players, his side can go one step further this year and repeat the success of eight years ago.

"We have had our disappointments on the Champions League trail but this season I really believe we are capable of going all the way," he said.

"I'm very positive we can win the competition. I think this team can go far but there are certain things that have to fall in place, namely having a good strong squad by the time you get to March and of course I can't dictate that. You either have injuries at important times or you don't.

"The players clearly want to do well in the Champions League and if you are one of the best you naturally look to spell it out with cups and medals, otherwise you are in danger of ending your career as a nearly man. And I don't think a single Manchester United player wants that.

"So am I just whistling in the dark? Talk comes cheap, I know, but I think we have built a platform that, with just a little bit of luck, will launch us on our way to capture this most elusive of trophies.

"We came close last season but fell at the penultimate hurdle when we ran out of steam.

"But this year we are stronger and more experienced. There has always been great ability in our teams but this one is maturing fast and I am convinced the players are ready to deliver.

"But I think it's a good team this, I think there are some fantastic signs about this side."

Ferguson has been forced to shelve plans to bring Gary Neville back into the first team squad for the first time since the United captain damaged ankle ligaments last March.

The England full-back's return has been hampered by a succession of niggling injuries and has now been ruled out by a calf strain picked up in training last weekend.

"It's a real dampener for the boy and for us," Ferguson added.

"He's not back to square one but it's certainly something we could have done without. I don't think it's a long one but there's no doubt he's struggling to get his season on the road and this is a set-back."

Michael Carrick is likely to make his first start since breaking his elbow in the visit of AS Roma on October 2nd while Louis Saha could also return after his substitute appearance at Arsenal that ended a five-week absence with a knee problem.