Chief Executive excited by United's trip to Lisbon
David Gill
By Chris,
August 26 2011
Chief executive David Gill is looking forward to the Red Devils heading to Portugal for the Champions League clash against Benfica. It was Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton who pulled the Portuguese club out of the hat in Monaco on Thursday afternoon – leaving fans to reminisce of United’s famous 1968 European Cup final victory over the Lisbon club, in which Charlton scored two goals.
Benfica are the second seeds in United’s group, with FC Basel and Otelul Galati completing the Group C quartet.
United are sure to be delighted with the draw despite a potentially tricky trip to Portugal. Benfica finished second in the Primeira Liga last season.
Chief Executive David Gill said: "We have had great matches against them and he (Sir Bobby Charlton) was reminiscing before the draw about that great match back in 1968.
"We've had great success in the last few years in the competition and we're looking forward to it”.
Sir Matt Busby’s Red Devils dumped Benfica out of the European Cup in 1966 and two years later beat then 4-2 after extra-time in the 1968 final at Wembley.
In December 2005, however, United failed to qualify for the Champions League second round or even earn consolation with UEFA Cup qualification after finishing bottom of their group following a 2-1 defeat at Benfica.
Revenge was gained the following year, however, with United claiming home and away wins against the Lisbon outfit.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.