Paul Ince makes "mad" Man Utd prediction after Champions League draw

Paul Ince insists that Manchester United can win the Champions League after they were drawn against Atletico Madrid in the last 16.

Ralf Rangnick's side discovered they will face Diego Simeone's men after Monday's controversial draw, which had to be redone after a blunder involving United when it first took place.

United have been struggling for form in the Premier League this season, as Ole Gunnar Solskajer was relieved of his duties, but it's been a different story in Europe.

The Red Devils topped their Champions League group as they finished ahead of Villarreal, Atalanta and Young Boys, despite losing their opener against the Swiss outfit.

It will, of course, be a tall order for United to go all the way in the competition, but anything is possible in knockout football.

And former United hero Ince reckons they could be the team lifting the Champions League trophy aloft come the end of the season under their new boss Rangnick - a prediction that he admits might seem "mad."

He told Mirror Football: "They can win the Champions League, people will think I'm mad, but they can.

"United can beat anybody on their day. Anybody, no matter who they are.

"In knockout football, if you are on your game and on form and with the world class players they've got, there's no reason they can't get to a Champions League final or win it."

Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea appear to be in a three-horse race for the Premier League crown this season, but fourth spot and the final Champions League spot are up for grabs with West Ham currently ahead of United.

Ince is adamant his former side can finish in the top four as their squad filled with "world-class" players are miles ahead of the Hammers, Arsenal and Tottenham who are also in the hunt.

He also hasn't ruled out the possibility of Rangnick's men finishing in third as there could easily be a slip up or two from City, Chelsea or Liverpool.

He added: "Without a doubt. Arsenal have hit a bad run of form, Tottenham are finding their feet under Antonio Conte, and David Moyes is doing a terrific job at West Ham. but they have the best squad.

"They finished second last year and they brought in Varane, Ronaldo and Show - all world class players. From a squad point of view, United have the best squad out of those teams I mentioned.

"It's pretty tight but you could see United going on a run with the fixtures that are coming up. I'm not saying they're going to win the title but they should finish fourth. If there are a few slip-ups from Chelsea, Man City or Liverpool, they might steak into third who knows.

"Their remit has to be finishing fourth, a Champions League place and hopefully win a cup whether it's the FA Cup or the Champions League."

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Paul Ince is supporting London's child poverty charity, The Childhood Trust.

Research by the charity reveals the tragic impact of poverty on children this Christmas with 26% in London living below the poverty line not expecting to receive a present under the tree this Christmas.

Ince said: "I grew up in a two-bedroom council flat in Ilford and shared a bedroom with my brother, sister and cousin. I had to fend for myself and nearly went down some bad routes but football saved me. Others aren't as fortunate so I'd call on Londoners to do what they can to come together and help put a present under the Christmas trees of those who need a bit more joy in their lives."