Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping he has a squad capable of winning the UEFA Champions League, but has warned Manchester United will have to perform at a 'high level'.

Ferguson's options have been boosted by the return to fitness of Chris Smalling, who he has indicated is in line for his first appearance of the season against Braga. Smalling, sidelined this term by a broken metatarsal, was included in United's travelling party to Portugal having stepped up his rehabilitation in training and Ferguson says he is intending for the England international to be "involved". Further good news for United is that Smalling's fellow defender Phil Jones, who is also yet to play this campaign due to back and knee problems, is set to resume full training next week. Ferguson said: "Since the start of the season, we've been operating on the borderline in terms of certain defenders having to play all the time, and also having to play Michael Carrick as a centre-back. "They can only help us with that - those two are outstanding young defenders and it will give us a fantastic squad to take on all our challenges."