Augustinussen posts warning to Celtic

AALBORG skipper Thomas Augustinussen claims Manchester United's Champions League opponents tonight are a better side since they got rid of Bruce Rioch.

The former Arsenal boss was sacked in October, having failed to meet the lofty expectations presented to him when he took the job last summer. Rioch's No.2 Allan Kuhn took over and has guided the Danes through an 11-match unbeaten run that ensures they will be in the UEFA Cup at Celtic's expense next February.

"We have not lost a game since Allan came in," said Augustinussen. "Some small details have been changed which means our defence is better. That means our attack has improved as well. Our confidence is much higher and has kept improving since Allan took over."

Rather surprisingly, given his record, Kuhn will return to his old job on January 1 when Magnus Pehrsson arrives from Gothenburg on a three-year contract.