Ferguson: Defence key to Euro hopes

Alex Ferguson acknowledges a settled defence will be crucial for Manchester United in Europe this season.

The memories of last year’s embarrassing group stage exit were fresh enough for Ferguson to leave Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa out of his starting line-up for the weekend win over Wigan.

Both should be involved against Galatasaray at Old Trafford tonight, providing the firepower needed to shoot United to an expected victory in the opening game of their latest Champions League quest.