Gill hopeful of peaceful tie

Reds to plan carefully
"We'll work with the relevant authorities to ensure the game is remembered for what happens on the pitch as opposed to what happens off it. Providing we all do our homework and everyone is sensible about things then everything will be okay."

- David Gill


Reds chief executive David Gill is hopeful there will be no repeat of the violence that marred United's Champions League quarter-final victory over Roma in April when the two teams meet again in this season's competition.

Thursday's group stage draw paired the Reds with the Italian side, along with Sporting Lisbon and Dynamo Kiev. United entertain Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday 2 October, before the return leg on Wednesday 12 December.

The Reds' last visit to the Italian capital was the subject of a Home Office investigation after a number of United fans were injured after trouble erupted on the terraces.

Gill insists all parties will be working together to ensure both matches pass off peacefully and he's hopeful of a positive outcome.

"We need to learn the lessons from last season," he told MUTV. "I'm sure UEFA will be involved in the planning with ourselves and Roma, who we get on well with; we've just got to be sensible about everything.

"The appropriate advice will be given to our fans, who in our opinion were blameless for what happened back in April.

"We'll work with the relevant authorities to ensure the game is remembered for what happens on the pitch as opposed to what happens off it. Providing we all do our homework and everyone is sensible about things then everything will be okay."

The Reds fell at the last four hurdle last time out after losing out to eventual winners AC Milan. Gill says everyone at the club is aiming to go one step further this season and book their place in Moscow next May.

"We had a great run last season and we want to go one better this year and get to the final," he declared. "We've got a long trip to Kiev and of course playing Roma again so soon after last season's quarter-final will be interesting, while Sporting Lisbon is where we bought both Cristiano [Ronaldo] and Nani from.

"So it's an interesting draw and I'm sure there will be some great games over the next few months."