By Chris Sudlow

UNITED's all-stars will be hoping it is third time lucky when they open their Champions League account in Athens on Wednesday.

Since the euphoria of Barcelona 1999, Euro success has eluded the Reds - and the failure has rankled.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich proved masters in successive seasons.

Roy Keane, among others, has stated repeatedly United cannot be rated among the greats until a continuous run of success in Europe has been achieved.

The signing of Laurent Blanc, who was expected to make his Premiership debut at Old Trafford against Everton this afternoon, could now prove decisive in view of United's defensive failings in the last two years.

Blanc has arrived as replacement for Jaap Stam with a heap of praise from Sir Alex Ferguson weighing on his shoulders. He said: "Manchester are capable of winning every competition they are engaged in and above all, they play in the Champions League.

"This really counted in my decision as I've never played in that competition. I have only one year left to play, I had to hurry."

This last comment will please many who have attacked the ageing foreign mercenaries who have arrived on these shores, then scuttled away with a huge bag of cash over their shoulders - but without medals. NEXT FIVE: Wednesday, Sept 12: Olympiakos (A, Champions League, ITV, 7.45pm); Saturday, Sept 15: Newcastle (A); Tuesday, Sept 18: Lille (H, ITV Sport Select, 7.45pm); Saturday, Sept 22: Ipswich (H); Wednesday, Sept 26 (A, Deportivo La Coruna, ITV, 7.45pm)