United visit Marseille on Wednesday looking to secure a first-leg lead that they would be confident of defending in the return clash at Old Trafford three weeks later.

Although there were times when United appeared to struggle during the group phase, they ended up with 14 points from a possible 18, their solid defence conceding just once, in their final match against Valencia.

Even with Rio Ferdinand troubled by a groin injury, Ferguson has no reason to believe that solidity has diminished given Chris Smalling's recent performances.

And having seen Marseille's narrow victory over Chelsea at the same stage, Ferguson feels his side have the edge.

"Their manager, Didier Deschamps, has put together a strong team - a very big, powerful side," Ferguson told Inside United.

"I watched them play at home against Chelsea in the group stage and they won 1-0. But Chelsea managed to create quite a few chances in the match so we hope we can do the same.

"I have been to watch games at Marseille quite a few times and the atmosphere supporters create at their ground is terrific.

"It won't be easy going over there but I think we have a good chance of qualifying."

Marseille have certainly undergone a few changes since the bribery scandal of the early 1990s, which resulted in them being stripped of the Champions League, which they won in 1993.

They encountered United twice 11 years ago, winning on home soil after a defeat at Old Trafford in a group from which both clubs emerged.

However, it was not until last season that the club, which remains France's most popular, were crowned champions again, under the careful stewardship of Deschamps.

The former Chelsea star is not the only familiar face to be facing the Red Devils this week.

Gabriel Heinze spent three seasons at Old Trafford and won popularity for his no-nonsense defending.

However, Ferguson made some less than complimentary observations about the Argentinian after an acrimonious departure to Real Madrid - United refused Heinze's original demand to join Liverpool - while Mathieu Valbuena is hoping to overcome a knee injury, having scored in France's victory over England at Wembley in November.

Still, the draw could have been much worse for United, as Ferguson was reflecting midway through the final group game with Valencia when his team trailed and appeared to be heading for a runners-up berth.

"You can see why it is so important to finish top of your group," said Ferguson.

"When we were down against Valencia, I knew I didn't want that because we could have faced the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

"You would obviously prefer not to face those top sides at this stage of the competition."