The Serbian defender is targeting a victory in Portugal as the perfect springboard for the rest of the group stage, which includes daunting assignments at Roma and Dynamo Kiev.

"It's really important that we get off to a good start in the Champions League," Vidic said. "We know Sporting Lisbon will be difficult to play against.

"They are technically very good and they know how to keep possession of the ball, which makes it difficult. But we want to start the tournament well and get a good result."

United is firm favorite to win the group, although Sporting harbours realistic ambitions of joining Ferguson's side in the knockout stages.

Paulo Bento's team went third in the league with a 2-0 win at Estrela Amadora on Sunday and United will have to beware Brazilian striker Liedson, who was on target in that match, as well as midfield playmaker Joao Moutinho.

Sporting has never lost at home to an English opponent in five matches, although a repeat of the 5-0 thrashing it inflicted on United when it last met in 1964 would surely be beyond its wildest dreams.

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