Rangers boss Walter Smith is hoping that Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will still be feeling his way back after injury. But the Ibrox boss knows his side could find themselves up against a revitalised Rooney in the Champions League.
He has also been forced to overcome personal problems but Smith is bracing himself for Rooney to be back to his best.
He said: "Once you get rid of all the stuff that was going on in the background, they will be looking forward to getting him back playing again.
"I can only hope that he's a little bit rusty through lack of activity in terms of games.
"From a Manchester United point of view, they will be delighted to have him back."
As far as Smith is concerned, Rooney is not the only player to be wary of when the Group C leaders come calling, insisting United as a team will pose a collective threat.
He added: "Manchester United are one of the most experienced Champions League teams, they know how to handle the situation, and they have shown that already in this season's Champions League.
"I listened to commentators on their game the other week and they were saying they are not playing so well and yet they don't lose any games.
"It's a remarkable thing to be able to, not play well and not lose.
"They are still up there in the Premiership. The standards at the club are extremely high and we will have to match that."
United have yet to concede a goal in the Champions League this season.
"It will be tough but hopefully we can do something," he said.
"We've handled the balance between our attacking and defending better than we did last year and hopefully that can continue.
"Hopefully we can manage to breach a defence that hasn't lost a goal and that's been away to Turkey and Spain as well. They have had a good run so far in terms of defending."
