Sir Alex Ferguson has vowed to play a full strength Manchester United side in Thursday's Europa League last-32 clash away at Ajax.
The Red Devils chief switched his focus to European competition following Saturday's crucial 2-1 win against rivals Liverpool, which had put them back on top of the Premier League for just over 24 hours before Manchester City returned to the summit with a 1-0 win at Aston Villa on Sunday.
And, while United are disappointed not to be contesting a last-16 tie in the Champions League following their shock exit in the group stages, Ferguson is adamant that he will put out a team capable of winning this week's first leg encounter at the Amsterdam Arena ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford a week later with no game in between due to the FA Cup fifth round next weekend.
The Scot, who was quoted in the Daily Mail said: "I'm definitely treating it seriously.
"The great thing about Thursday is we don't have a game next Saturday so I can play my strongest team and will play my strongest team.
"The thing is to look forward to it. It's still European football and still a good standard,' he added. "I think it's amazing that, in the 55 years we've been involved in Europe, we've never played Ajax.
"When you think of all the draws that have been made, the quarter-finals and the groups, we've never drawn them.
"It'll be a full house too with a great stadium and a great pitch. They're not having a great time at the moment but I think, playing United, they will be well motivated for it and always play nice football too."