Take careful note of whatever happens in the Stade Louis II tonight because Manchester United and Lazio will meet again. For the Super Cup at Monaco this evening read also the European Cup final in May. That, at least, is what the bookmakers would have us believe.

Early doors it may be, and Serie A has not even started, but the odds show United as favourites for the Champions League with Lazio immediately behind them. Perhaps the prospect of striking an early psychological blow explains why Lazio's players are on £17,000 win bonuses tonight.

Sir Alex Ferguson is probably less enamoured by this European version of the Charity Shield. It may only be Newcastle at home on Monday, but doubtless he could find better ways to fill time between Premiership fixtures than trying to squeeze the Super Cup into an overcrowded trophy cabinet. Apparently not. "We want to win," said United's manager, who captured the trophy in 1991.

Dwight Yorke seems certain to be rested and Denis Irwin may also be given a breather. Nicky Butt is unlikely to play because of double vision and Ferguson said Mark Wilson or Jonathan Greening may get a rare start in this traditional meeting of European champions and Cup Winners' Cup winners.