Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka says they're full of confidence going into their clash with Champions League opponents Manchester United.

The Primera Division champions trounced Sevilla 4-1 last night, Cristiano Ronaldo firing an ominous warning to his former club with a hat-trick.

Karanka said: "Real Madrid are coming into the match in good form, and not because of (last night's) result.

"Apart from the match against Granada, the team has been showing good things throughout January. (Against Sevilla) we played well and have given a bit of a rest to key players and the match comes at a good time for us."

On the extra day's rest, Karanka said: "We've proven it ourselves - it does show.

"They have a bit of a cushion (at the top of the Barclays Premier League) and I'm sure they'll be making rotations and resting important players."