Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti believes Manchester United are "one of the strongest teams in Europe", but insists the Italians will be able to compete with them on Tuesday night.

The two sides clash at the San Siro in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie which promises to be a true clash of the titans between the defending Italian and English champions, and Zanetti claims United will meet their match.

"I think we are up against a big team which is doing very well in the Premier League and in the Champions League, but I am confident that we can do it," he said.

"We are a very competitive team and this is a clash between two big teams who want to continue in the Champions League.

"We are up against one of the strongest teams in Europe. We respect Manchester a lot, but we are in condition to be able to do very well."

Zanetti is the only member of the Inter side who was present when the two teams met a decade ago.