Manager Ferguson stresses Manchester United will not take Scottish giants lightly

Champions League: Ferguson stresses Man United will not take Rangers lightly

Manager Ferguson stresses Manchester United will not take Scottish giants lightlyu00a0

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has no plans to take Rangers lightly tonight in their Champions League Group C opener at Old Trafford.

Ferguson has stressed his former club must not be underestimated by his side, who have already thrown away winning positions twice this season.

"We don't have frailties," said the Scot. "It has been a lack of concentration in our defending."People say this is a mismatch but they said that about Barcelona on Saturday night (Barca lost 2-0 at home to Hercules).
"Football throws up surprises.

We are never going to forget Rangers' history and this will be a tough game."I know Walter Smith personally and he has worked with me twice.

I know how astute he is and how good a tactician he is. I can almost see that little brain working at the moment."Wayne Rooney is set to return to the United starting line-up after being left out of Ferguson's squad for Saturday's 3-3 Premier League draw at Everton following lurid allegations over the striker's personal life.

Rooney is expected to be joined in the team by fit-again England captain Rio Ferdinand, but Michael Carrick (Achilles) is definitely out.Rangers full-back Kirk Broadfoot faces a late fitness test to determine whether he will be available after sustaining an ankle injury while playing for Scotland, but Steven Whittaker has been passed fit after suffering a calf knock while also on international duty.

Smith has no other injury concerns, although Nikica Jelavic is ineligible for the competition.The last meeting between the two clubs in 2003 resulted in a 4-0 aggregate win for United -- before Smith's return for a second spell at Ibrox -- and the Premier League giants are overwhelming favourites once again.

But, regardless of the outcome at Old Trafford tonight, the relationship between the two managers is unlikely to be affected in any way.

Smith said: "On the two occasions that I worked with Sir Alex, we always had a decent relationship.
"In terms of football and any aspect of his job, yes, he is intense. Outside of that, no. He enjoys a laugh as much as anyone else, he likes a glass of red wine, and he's good company.

"If I was selecting a number of people I would like to come to a dinner party I would invite him.

"He's good company but he has not achieved what he has achieved in his career by being somebody who accepts whatever is coming his way easily. I've been fortunate enough to know him for many years."