Ferguson preparing for torrid time

Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that Man United face a grueling test in the Champions League after suffering a tough draw in the group stage.

The Red Devils have been drawn in Group B, and will have to travel far and wide to Besiktas in Turkey and CSKA Moscow as well as German champions Wolfsburg.

The finalists of last term seem to have suffered the most difficult draw of all the Premier League clubs involved, who all were fortunate enough to avoid Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter and AC Milan.

Ferguson is not a fan of long away trips in Europe, and he told the club's official website: "These are difficult ties especially the trips to Russia and Turkey.

"CSKA have developed strongly in the last few years and games in Turkey are always difficult.

"We also know the quality that we're up against with Wolfsburg, with what they achieved in the Bundesliga last season."

Ferguson's mood will not have been lightened by the knowledge that United face two major Premier League clashes after their long trips - they are at home to Manchester City after travelling to Turkey and away at Liverpool four days after their Moscow journey.

David Gill admitted the draw could have been kinder to United.

He told Sky Sports News: "I think pot four was the interesting one, I think most clubs would have preferred not to get the German champions out of that, but we got it.

"But overall we have to be happy with it and look forward to starting in three weeks. Besiktas away, long trip first one, but we will see where we go from there."

United would have preferred to have avoided a trip to Istanbul first up, while a lengthy trek to Russia lies ahead when they face CSKA.

Gill, though, is adamant the Red Devils will have no problem coping with travelling to far-flung destinations and admits the club are looking forward to heading back to Moscow - the scene of their 2008 triumph.

"I think you can get psyched out by that sort of thing," he said.

"We are in the competition and we will get on with it and I'm sure it won't affect on the games either side in the Premier League.

"We will look forward to going back to Moscow, after those great scenes in 2008, so we have got to be excited about."

The first round of matches will be played on September 15 and 16.