The supreme Red Devil is contemplating the match-up with the Portuguese side with a certain amount of relish.

Alex Ferguson has reacted to Manchester United being paired with Porto in their Champions League quarter-final tie positively, and feels that it gives his men a real chance of claiming a semi-final spot once again.

"This is a good draw for us," the Scotsman told ManUtd.com. "You sometimes wonder if being at home first is a good or a bad thing but I think in this modern-day competition there's no indication of what is better.

"The only thing you hope is that you don’t lose a goal in the home tie."

The fact that United have such strong Portuguese connections themselves, with wingers Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo, of course, being prominent members of the Red Devils squad, is also something which Ferguson feels will work to United's advantage in the tie, scheduled for April 7 and 15.

"We’ve met Porto before and obviously we respect any Portuguese team," Ferguson added.

"We have had a huge Portuguese influence in the club, firstly with Carlos Quieroz but now with Cristiano and Nani. So we understand Portuguese football.

"We're happy with the draw and we're looking forward to the tie."

- Goal.com