Midfielder Darren Fletcher has revealed that Manchester United are expecting a tough clash with Valencia in Wednesday’s Champions League encounter (Valencia 13/8 – 90 minutes).

The Red Devils have travelled to Spain without the injured Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia and Ryan Giggs, while Paul Scholes has been left at home to rest for United’s next Premier League clash with Sunderland (United 8/13 – 90 minutes).

They Old Trafford outfit have yet to hit top gear this season and could only manage a 0-0 draw with Rangers in their opening match of Europe’s elite club competition.

Domestic form at home has been good with three wins from three matches, but they have yet to win away from Manchester, with three draws on their travels to date.

Contrastingly, Valencia are riding high at the top of La Liga, with 13 points from their first five games, and Fletcher believes that United will have their work cut out to compete with a side who have comfortably dealt with the loss of high-profile players David Villa and David Silva.

“It is going to be a difficult match,” he said. “People might say it is not the same Valencia because they have lost Villa and Silva.

“But as we have seen at Manchester United, when you lose good players others step up to the mark and take on more responsibility. They have had a fantastic start.”

Michael Carrick could well be set for his first start since August’s Community Shield, as he was on the flight to Spain on Tuesday morning.

His passing ability may give the former Tottenham schemer the edge in selection with ball retention, according to Fletcher, key to success against the best in Europe.

“We have picked up experience of playing in Europe and we have confidence,” he added. “We know how to cope with the travel and the different styles of play.

“Against Spanish sides, keeping the ball is key. If you give the ball away cheaply, you might not see it for a few minutes and they will punish you.”

Michael Owen could be set for another run-out, after netting the equaliser that gave United a point against Bolton on Sunday, with in-form Dimitar Berbatov certain to start at the Mestalla Stadium.

Rooney’s ankle problem is not thought to be too serious but another week out of the spotlight could also help him come to terms with the tabloid allegations about his private life which, according to Sir Ales Ferguson, have been affecting the England star’s performances this term.

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