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IT is ten years since Manchester United reigned supreme in the Champions League.

Then they used to sit at the very top table in Europe with Sir Alex Ferguson ordering the wine.

Edwin Van Der Sar saved the winning penalty from Nicolas Anelka to win the Champions League in 2008
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Edwin Van Der Sar saved the winning penalty from Nicolas Anelka to win the Champions League in 2008Credit: Reuters
Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge as they beat Chelsea on penalties in Moscow
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Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge as they beat Chelsea on penalties in MoscowCredit: AP:Associated Press

Now they are just happy to get an invite and leave with a few scraps.

A decade ago they were always one of the short-priced favourites when the tournament odds came out.

Now you can find them tenth favourites at 25-1 this season with not a single one of their players predicted to fight for the golden boot.

Jose Mourinho raised eyebrows last season when he claimed after a shocking defeat to Sevilla in the round of 16 that United had no European pedigree.

Jose Mourinho needs to put the blame game behind him and get on with winning
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Jose Mourinho needs to put the blame game behind him and get on with winningCredit: Getty - Contributor
None of United's players, including Romelu Lukaku, are well-priced to win the golden boot
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None of United's players, including Romelu Lukaku, are well-priced to win the golden bootCredit: Getty - Contributor
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho talks about David De Gea’s heroics, Chris Smalling’s haircut and Luke Shaw

Rather than look at their history he was no doubt referring to the previous six seasons.

Indeed when Nani’s high boot meant he saw red against Real Madrid in their last 16 tie in 2012-13 it signalled the beginning of the end of their claim to be one of Europe’s elite.

After the 2007/08 triumph they reached another two finals and a quarter-final in the next three seasons.

Next to Barcelona, who beat them in those subsequent finals, they were the world’s best team.

Since lifting the trophy in 2008, United have reached two finals and two quarter-finals
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Since lifting the trophy in 2008, United have reached two finals and two quarter-finalsCredit: Getty - Contributor
Nani's red card against Real Madrid sparked the beginning of the end of their time at Europe's top table
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Nani's red card against Real Madrid sparked the beginning of the end of their time at Europe's top tableCredit: ITV

The downfall since has been dramatic; out in the group stage in 2011-12 then that last 16 heartbreak against Real Madrid.

Since then the best they have done is one quarter-final under David Moyes and in two seasons they did not even compete in club football’s elite competition.

Now it is time for them to stamp their authority on the game’s biggest stage again.

Figures show that after Manchester City at around £800million they have the second-most expensive squad in the competition at £655m.

That has to start showing a return.

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Pep Guardiola led Barcelona to Champions League titles in 2009 and 2011, beating Manchester United in both finals
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Pep Guardiola led Barcelona to Champions League titles in 2009 and 2011, beating Manchester United in both finalsCredit: Corbis - Getty
Alexis Sanchez joined Barcelona following their 2011 success but is yet to win the Champions League
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Alexis Sanchez joined Barcelona following their 2011 success but is yet to win the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty - Contributor

Fans may be more concerned about the club stepping up domestically again with Manchester City threatening a period of domination.

But the Champions League has always provided the real barometer of a club’s status.

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A group that starts with a trip to Young Boys of Berne tomorrow and includes Juventus and Valencia will not be easy but it needs to be negotiated.

The meltdown against Sevilla last season was shocking given the man at the helm of United.

Mourinho made much of the Europa League triumph the season before and he deserved credit for it.

The Red Devils travel to Switzerland to begin their latest Champions League campaign against Young Boys
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The Red Devils travel to Switzerland to begin their latest Champions League campaign against Young BoysCredit: Getty - Contributor
Marcus Rashford will be available again for the Red Devils after missing the Watford game due to his domestic ban
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Marcus Rashford will be available again for the Red Devils after missing the Watford game due to his domestic banCredit: Getty - Contributor
Mourinhos side crashed out to Sevilla in last the round of 16 last season, losing 2-1 on aggregate
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Mourinhos side crashed out to Sevilla in last the round of 16 last season, losing 2-1 on aggregateCredit: AFP or licensors
The club have endured a difficult time in Europe's elite club competition in recent seasons
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The club have endured a difficult time in Europe's elite club competition in recent seasonsCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Football fan gets into trouble with Manchester United players on train journey home after Watford win

The standard, however, in that competition is way off the Champions League which he has won twice.

Mourinho masterminded the triumphs of Porto and Inter Milan with much lesser riches than he has at Old Trafford.

The club hired him based not just on his domestic success but in Europe.

United now expects, and he needs to deliver.

It has been too long since this famous club stood shoulder to shoulder with the very best.

Mourinho deserves credit for his Europa League success but now needs to replicate his achievements with Porto and Inter
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Mourinho deserves credit for his Europa League success but now needs to replicate his achievements with Porto and InterCredit: Rex Features
Marouane Fellaini is enjoying a revival at Old Trafford and will be desperate to maintain his form in the Champions League
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Marouane Fellaini is enjoying a revival at Old Trafford and will be desperate to maintain his form in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty - Contributor
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