EUROPEAN Cup hero Paddy Crerand today insisted that Manchester United will reach the quarter finals of the Champions' League.

The United stalwart, still a regular attendant at Reds' matches, described Juventus as "the best team to visit Old Trafford in a long time".

"United were totally outclassed in the first half," said Crerand.

"I thought Zidane was tremendous.

"You look at them and you realise what United have to do to win the European Cup.

"But they were fired up in the second half and dominated the European champions.

"It's up to United now to get a result in Vienna. I think the Italians will beat Fenerbahce."

Nicky Butt's rash 35th minute challenge presented Italian wonderkid Alessandro Del Piero with the chance to complete the double for classy Euro kings Juventus, who booked their place in the last eight.

But there was no disgrace in defeat for Alex Ferguson's young side, who at last found the belief to match the best.

They deserved more than a repeat of the Turin scoreline but couldn't break down the Italian defence in the second half.

"I think Italians are the best defenders in Europe and any team who's played against them will tell you the same," added Crerand.

United manager Alex Ferguson enthused about the Italians' ability afterwards.

"What we saw here is a team with a fantastic habit, not just of working but of a work ethic which brings them great success," he said.

"Everyone in their team is prepared to run the extra yard, they all earn their money and they proved in the first half why they won the European Cup.

"They have experience in the right places and threats in the right places too.

"Looking at their players and knowing their coach, there's no way they can relax in a game, so I'm happy going to Vienna knowing that if we win we have a great chance."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.