[alex18122003]

Sir Alex wary of Villarreal threat

Sir Alex Ferguson hopes that all roads lead to Rome's Stadio Olimpico in May, but he won't get waylaid by the prospect of a "more acceptable" fourth European crown as the Reds prepare to face Villarreal tonight.

The last time United met Villarreal – in the group stages in 2005/06 – the Reds were in what Sir Alex describes as “a low point” in the team’s transitional period. A meagre three goals and six points - two of those from a pair of 0-0 draws against the Spaniards – saw United finish bottom of the group.

The club's current predicament contrasts starkly with those dark days; the Reds go into tonight’s Group E curtain raiser as worthy champions of Europe, the fallow years between 2003 and 2006 a distant memory.

However, Villarreal will be as troublesome an opponent as they were three years ago. Manuel Pellegrini, the team’s long-serving Chilean coach, has built a team of consistent performers, who last year finished second behind champions Real Madrid in La Liga, and ten points ahead of Barcelona.

“We will revert to our normal procedure in terms of the group stage,” says Sir Alex. “We're not taking any chances and I will stick to what I always say: Get me ten points, and I’ll see you in February."

Along with Celtic, purveyors of an impressive home record in Europe, Villarreal will make United work for the minimum ten points Sir Alex has his sights on.

“Looking at the four teams, Villarreal have shown their quality over the last five years under Manuel Pellegrini. It’s unusual for a coach to stay with a club for such a long time in Spain. They have finished in the top three twice in that time and they’re a very difficult team to play against.