Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand is confident that his former side can progress past the Champions League group stages.

United face a tricky group, which includes Juventus, Valencia and Young Boys from Switzerland.

And the Reds face off against the Swiss side first up.

Ferdinand knows it will be a tough group, but expects progress.

"It wasn't the ideal scenario seeing them go out like that, against a team that you would probably have expected them to beat on paper, but that's football," he said to Goal.com on United's loss to Sevilla in last season's competition.

"I think looking forward to this season it's a tough group but it's an exciting group.

"You've got Juventus coming to town as well with Ronaldo which is a great factor added to it. I think they'll qualify from that group. I think Mourinho tactically knows how to play in the Champions League."