The clubs have been paired together in the group stages of the Champions League alongside Spain's Villarreal and Denmark's Aalborg.

Reid has fond memories of the last time they met the European Cup holders at Parkhead as they recorded a superb 1-0 victory in the competition two years ago.

He said: "I am delighted for our fans we have once again drawn the champions of Europe. Last season it was AC Milan, the year before it was Barcelona.

"If we are going to play in Europe - and we are very proud to be Scotland's representatives - we may as well start with the big ones.

"They don't come much bigger than Manchester United so we are delighted. We have done very well at home and are proud of our record.

"The last time at home we pipped United at the post but they are Europe champions and we will not take them for granted."

While Reid expressed his admiration for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, he believes Celtic boss Gordon Strachan is creating a dynasty of his own.

"We talked to Alex before we went in to the draw and we have the greatest respect for Manchester United," he said.

"He is a fabulous manager, who has a great record over the years. But Gordon is building his own reputation. We have won three titles, now we want to make it four."

United chief executive David Gill told Sky Sports: "Overall we are pretty pleased with the draw. As defending champions we are looking forward to it.

"It's a great event with their passionate fans and our passionate fans.

"I'm sure the players and fans are looking forward to those fixtures.

"You get a tingle in your spine when you see the flashbacks to Moscow. Everyone at the club is very motivated."

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres heads back to his former club Atletico Madrid as they were drawn together along with PSV Eindhoven and Marseille.

Chief executive Rick Parry told said: "With our Spanish contingent that will be a couple of very big games.

"They are all fairly close by so there are no challenging trips."

Chelsea, who lost to United in the final in Moscow, have been paired with Roma, Bordeaux and the Romanians of Cluj.

Club secretary David Bernard said: "I'm not aware of them at all but any team that reaches the group stages of the Champions League deserves respect so we won't underestimate them.

"I think the boys are focused on the Champions League. They are completely focused on reaching the final again this year."

Arsenal face a couple of long trips to Turkey and Ukraine when they play Fenerbahce and Dynamo Kiev. Porto make up the group.

Spokesman Danny Fiszman said: "One of the big issues for Arsene (Wenger) is the distances we have to travel. They are tough games with very difficult stadia to play in.

"I am sure they will be provide very stiff competition, the results at home will be what will decide this group."