Strachan relishes Man Utd test

Celtic played Manchester United in the group stages two seasons ago

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with Manchester United in the Champions League group stages.

The Scottish Champions were drawn in Group E alongside holders United, Spanish side Villarreal and Aalborg.

"It's exciting - it's another challenge for this group of players and it's one we relish," Strachan said.

"We know all about Manchester United and Villarreal, but Aalborg will be a good side, that's for sure."

Celtic played Sir Alex Ferguson's side two seasons ago in the group stage of Europe's elite club competition.

The Parkhead side lost 3-2 at Old Trafford but a 1-0 victory in Glasgow saw them qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in the club's history.

They reached the last 16 again last season but Strachan admits it will be a tough task to repeat those feats this time round.

"We played Copenhagen a few years back and we saw how good they were," Strachan told the club's official website.

It's exciting - it's another challenge for this group of players and it's one we relish Celtic manager Gordon Strachan

"If they can finish above Copenhagen in the Danish league, Aalborg must be a good side."

Meanwhile, Celtic chief executive, Peter Lawwell, who attended the draw in Monte Carlo on Thursday, was thrilled by the draw.

"In Manchester United, we again welcome the European champions to Celtic Park," Lawell said.

"We remember the two epics we played two years ago and the dramatic circumstances of our win in Glasgow."

Shunsuke Nakamura scored with a curling free-kick 10 minutes from time at Celtic Park in November 2006.

And goalkeeper Artur Boruc's last-minute penalty save from United striker Louis Saha gave the club a famous victory.

But Lawell was unfazed by the challenges his club faced in escaping Group E.

"At this level, it's a formidable task to qualify but I think we've got a good chance," he continued.

"If we qualify three years running, it would be a remarkable achievement and I do genuinely believe we have a chance to do that."

United, who are also the current English Premier League champions, boast a star-studded squad with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney set to provide Strachan and his players with a stern test both home and away.

Manuel Pellegrini's Villarreal, who finished runners-up to champions Real Madrid in La Liga last season, are also familiar opponents for Celtic and their fans.

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The Spaniards ousted Celtic from the quarter-finals of the Uefa Cup in season 2003/04, the year after Martin O'Neill's side finished runners-up in Europe's second club competition.

A Henrik Larsson header earned Celtic a 1-1 draw at home but Villarreal were convincing 2-0 victors in the return leg to end Celtic's dream of a second final appearance in a row.

Danish champions Aalborg, who are coached by former Scotland international midfielder Bruce Rioch, easily disposed of the Lithuanians FBK Kaunas 4-0 on aggregate in the qualifying third round to reach the group stage.

Lawwell refused to be drawn on whether Strachan will be allowed to strengthen his squad further before next week's transfer deadline.

"We are working on things," he said. "Time is obviously ticking against us but who knows?"