More to Roma than Totti

"Totti's the name everybody talks about but I think they're a very solid, organised team. Overall, as a unit, Roma are up there with one of the best teams in Europe. It should be another exciting night."

- Mike Phelan

First team coach Mike Phelan admits that Roma's hopes of an upset at Old Trafford are not pinned exclusively on team talisman Francesco Totti.

Phelan and the rest of the United coaching staff have performed thorough checks on the Italians' strengths and weaknesses, and know they will provide a stern challenge at Old Trafford.

"Totti's the name everybody talks about but I think they're a very solid, organised team," Phelan told United Radio. "The manager's done very well and he knows everyone can do the job he asks of them.

"Daniele de Rossi is very competent and holds the team together. Their wide full backs are very, very good too and are capable of going up and down the wing all night.

"Overall, as a unit, Roma are up there with one of the best teams in Europe. It should be another exciting night."

While much of the pre-match discussion has been directed towards Roma's pursuit of revenge for their 7-1 mauling in April, Phelan feels the Italians' main objective will be restoring pride.

"I don't know if they're after revenge," he said. "I think they want pride more than anything else. They'll come and try and salvage that. It's another game, a new occasion, another run in the Champions League, and both teams will want to come out of it with credit."