Sir Alex Ferguson was far from delighted with Friday?s Champions League draw, admitting Manchester United have been paired with the hardest side on offer.
Having qualified top in their group, United had every right to hope they would avoid one of Europe?s big guns in the last 16.
However, the Red Devils were handed a tie with Lyon, a side who have won the French title in each of the past six years.
"Maybe it is the hardest of the five we could have got," lamented Ferguson.
"Lyon have won the French championship for the last six or seven years, which is incredible given the number of players they have lost over the last few years.
"It will not be an easy game but hopefully, by the time we get there we will have all our squad available.
"That is a pre-requisite for the challenge anyway. If I can pick the team I want I think we will have a good chance."
United will play the second leg at home but Ferguson is adamant the order of matches makes little difference though, warning his players they cannot afford to offer Lyon a lead going into the second leg.
"You get different experiences. Going away from home for a second game having got a lead from the first can be a big advantage.
"The important thing for us is to come back from France with a result then, hopefully, Old Trafford will be at a real good volume to give you that advantage in the home match."
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