Manchester United were given a kind draw in the Champions League playoffs as they were paired with Belgians Club Brugge on Friday.

The three-time former winners, making their return to Europe's premier club competition after a one-year hiatus, will play the first leg at their Old Trafford home.

"We're absolutely delighted to be back in the competition. We're back where we want to be," said United club secretary John Alexander.

"We'd like to think we can win the competition."

In other pairings in the League Route, Spaniards Valencia, finalists in 2000 and 2001, drew 2004 finalists Monaco of France while the clash of the round sees Italians Lazio up against Germany's Bayer Leverkusen, beaten finalists in 2002.