Louis van Gaal says Barcelona and Bayern Munich will not want to draw Manchester United in the Champions League group stage.
United cruised to a 4-0 win against Club Brugge in the second leg of their qualification playoff to secure a 7-1 aggregate win, and Van Gaal said his former clubs Barca and Bayern -- the bookmakers' two favourites for this season's competition -- will be wary of playing his current side.
Speaking ahead of Thursday's group-stage draw, Van Gaal said via the club's official website: "I don't think they want to draw us."
Asked if United can go a long way in the competition, he replied: "We have to wait and see. Of course, this was a glorious night for Manchester United and it is not so easy to do what we have done but Swansea City [in the Premier League on Sunday] is the most important match now.
"Last year we lost six points against them and we have to improve that."
The Dutchman said he would not be watching the group-stage draw as he plans on attending his club's reserve-team match against Ajax, in which a number of his first-team players are expected to feature.
"I think I shall watch the second team because eight players of mine play against Ajax and I think that is more important because I cannot do anything to have any influence in the draw so I hear it," Van Gaal said.
"Such players of that level, will always come back." Louis van Gaal on his continued support for @WayneRooney. #UCL http://t.co/SidyjSdi2P
- BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) August 26, 2015
Wayne Rooney netted a hat trick in Wednesday's win, ending a 10-game goal drought, but Van Gaal said he never lost faith in the forward despite recent criticism of his form.
"Wayne has a very strong mentality and with his level he shall always come back, but still it's a long way for him," he said. "But of course I'm happy for him."
Rooney himself added: "If I didn't have a strong character, maybe that would have affected me but I know my quality, I know what I give to the team.
"If the goals don't go in, I still bring a lot to my teammates. Thankfully I have got chances tonight and took them. I wasn't worried."