Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed concern about the welfare of Manchester United’s supporters as they prepare to return to Rome, the scene of ugly clashes with Italian fans and riot police on two previous visits in the past 12 months. Five United supporters were stabbed before their Champions League match away to AS Roma in December, while 18 were injured, some of them in clashes with riot police inside the Olympic Stadium, on a previous visit for their quarter-final, first leg last season.

There were also numerous arrests when rival supporters fought outside Old Trafford for the second leg of their tie last April, while four United supporters are still in prison in Rome awaiting an appeal over charges relating to violent clashes at the match in December.

Ferguson, the United manager, responded to the draw by saying that it was “an intriguing tie”, referring to four previous meetings over the past 12 months, but he added: “Away from the football, obviously, my biggest concern is the fans. During the game in Rome this season, the security was much improved, but there will be even more fans travelling with us for this match.”

Roma officials claimed to be insulted last season when United issued a public warning to their supporters, spelling out the dangers of visiting the Italian capital, but United are certain to work even more closely with the Foreign Office and police to ensure that there is no repeat of previous incidents. When they visited in December, 60 stewards travelled from Manchester and there was an alcohol ban in the city on the day of the match, but it did not prevent fighting away from the ground “If we weren’t concerned, there would be something wrong,” Ken Ramsden, United’s club secretary, said. “But the experience this season was a lot better than the previous year. Our fans have a better understanding of what is expected of them.”