LONDON Manchester United Manager Alex Ferguson, a past master of pre-match propaganda, has been quick to turn his sights on Bayer Leverkusen ahead of today's Champions League semifinal second leg.

United, one of the giants of world soccer, were held to a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last week by the small German factory town club.

The winners will meet the victors of the Spanish semifinal between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Glasgow, Ferguson's home town, on May 15. Real are now heavy favorites after winning 2-0 at the Nou Camp last Tuesday.

Speaking shortly after United kept their chances of retaining the English Premier League title alive with a 1-0 win over Ipswich on Saturday, Ferguson wondered aloud if Leverkusen had celebrated prematurely last Wednesday.

"They were celebrating at the end of the first game and that gives you a little bit of hope because it's my belief in life that you don't take things for granted," Reuters quoted Ferguson as saying.

"Everyone saw that and I think they may be in for a fright themselves come Tuesday."

Ferguson said United had been in outstanding form away from home in European competition and were now only one kick away from the final at Hampden Park.

"Away goals count, they really do," he said. "it does have an impact and we will score over there."