Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists he's looking forward to their Europa League tie with Ajax.

United dropped into the second tier competition after being dumped from the Champions League and drew Ajax yesterday.

Ferguson said: "I have never played them before in competitive football in my managerial career. They are a good team and we are looking forward to it."

United defender Chris Smalling added: "(Exiting the Champions League) was a massive disappointment, but then you look at the calibre of teams that are in there (Europa League).

"We have drawn Ajax, they have a lot of history. That will be a good test. If you are in there, a lot of the teams will be kicking on. Whoever wins the competition will be a good team."