Man Utd legend fears for Celtic

Crerand believes Strachan (left) will be on the losing side

Pat Crerand is certain Manchester United will kick-start their Champions League campaign with a comfortable win over Celtic at Old Trafford.

"To be honest you would expect United to win on Wednesday," said the former Scotland international, who played for both sides in the 1960s.

"United will fancy themselves to win - and Celtic fans will agree as well.

"Celtic should be looking at United as the group winners, then hope to finish above Benfica and FC Copenhagen."

Crerand - now working as a PR ambassador with the Red Devils - left the Glasgow club for Old Trafford in 1962, and was part of Sir Matt Busby's side which won the European Cup in 1968.

He maintains a keen interest in Celtic's fortunes, but believes Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has a weaker squad than last season.

"Losing Stilian Petrov is a big blow," he said.

"If you are a Manchester United fan and all of a sudden Petrov isn't there, then that's a big bonus."

And he revealed that United had rejected the chance to sign Gravesen in the summer.

"I'm not sure (Thomas) Gravesen has the same quality (as Petrov)," he added.

"His agent was trying to sell him to Manchester United in the summer but they weren't interested.

"I'm sure he'll do well at Celtic and he certainly knows all about the British game," he added.

"He has played against United before, so he'll know what to expect."