Champions League Group H Preview: Manchester United on track to progress

6 November 2012 01:29

Manchester United can book a berth in the knockout phase, while CFR Cluj play host to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday.

United have a perfect record in Group H with three wins from as many matches and could secure their place in the next stage when they travel to take on Sporting Braga.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men, who were uncharacteristically eliminated from the tournament in the group stage last season, will secure a spot in the knockout phase should they avoid a loss in Portugal.

United, who came from two goals down to beat Braga 3-2 at Old Trafford last month, have won all but one of their past seven games in all competitions - going down to Chelsea 5-4 in the Capital One Cup.

"It's been good but we're aiming for better," defender Rio Ferdinand told the United website.

"I don't think we have hit a real purple patch yet, which we are really searching for. We're still aiming for that and it will come soon, don't worry."

Braga, third in the group with three points, need a second win to strengthen their hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time.

Elsewhere, Turkish giants Galatasaray, who have not won away from home in the tournament proper since 2002, face a crucial test in Romania.

Galatasaray are rooted to the bottom of the group with just one point, while Cluj are second on four points.

The teams played out a 1-1 draw in Istanbul two weeks ago, with Cluj earning a point despite failing to manage a single shot on target.

An own goal from Galatasaray defender Dany Nounkeu was cancelled out by Burak Yilmaz, leaving the Turkish club with an uphill battle to advance in the competition.