Manchester United and Roma will meet again in the last eight of the Champions League.

The teams - who have played in the competition already this season and also met last year - will do battle again over two legs next month, with the first leg in Rome on April 1 and the second leg at Old Trafford eight days later.

The winners of the tie will meet either Barcelona or Schalke in the last four.

And Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his "concern" for United supporters when they travel to Italy.

Security is bound to be tight given the recent history of trouble off the pitch when the clubs have met.

Five United fans were stabbed in clashes with opposing supporters in December in the final group game in Italy.

Scenes of violence and disorder marred the two clubs' Champions League games last season, although the October meeting at Old Trafford passed off peacefully.

Eighteen United fans needed hospital treatment in April after clashes on the terraces in Rome and outside the ground.

Italian police were accused by United club officials of handing out "indiscriminate beatings" and violence flared again a week later at the return leg when scuffles broke out outside the ground.

A volley of missiles was thrown at Roma supporters as they entered the away end turnstiles and 21 people, including 14 United fans, were arrested.

And Ferguson admitted the problems which have blighted recent encounters are a worry.

"Away from the football, obviously my biggest concern is the fans," he told the club's official website.

"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. That said, I have a feeling it will be another great European tie."

Ferguson also said he finds it hard to believe they will have faced Roma six times in a year when the tie is completed next month.

He added: "That makes it intriguing because we know a lot about Roma, but they know a lot about us. It is incredible as I had a strong feeling that we would draw an English side."

United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz has warned his players Roma are a much better team than the one thrashed 7-1 at Old Trafford last season.

He said: "We should know them very well. But what is our strength is also our weakness.

"Roma know us very well after they played against us so many times, especially after they way we beat them last season.

"I'm sure it will be a difficult game as all games are at this stage.

"I think we have a good chance. We know we can beat them.

"We need to be ready to play against a team that is improving a lot.

"This Roma team is much much better compared with the team we played some months ago.''

Queiroz was pleased to have avoided an English team, especially Liverpool, who United face in the Premier League shortly before the quarter-finals.

"Imagine if the draw was against Liverpool for instance," he said.

"To play Liverpool three times in 15 days is nothing special. There is a lot of emotion and a lot of passion of course.

"But from my perspective and the club's perspective, to play against teams abroad is more what you expect when you talk about the Champions League."

Midfielder Darren Fletcher echoed Queiroz's caution, admitting he was very impressed with Roma's performances to knock out Real Madrid.

He said: "You have to take that result (7-1) with a pinch of salt as everything went for us that night.

"This game will not be like that. We will give them the respect they deserve - it is a massive game. They were fantastic against Real Madrid."

United club secretary Ken Ramsden told Sky Sports News: "That's a good draw, I think.

"As a fan, I'm glad we're not playing an English team because it loses that flavour of a continental game.

"We're away first, which will please the manager, I'm sure.

"All in all, a good day, I think."

Asked about the prospect of a repeat of last season's 8-3 aggregate thrashing of the Italians, Ramsden said: "It would be nice.

"We have a good record against them so there's no reason why we should be afraid."

He added: "We're playing well but every team in the quarter-finals says the same thing."

Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni said: "We want revenge.

"The trip to Old Trafford last season was a nightmare. But this year we are different, we have more experience, we are much improved."

He added: "In the past month we have won a lot of games, including the two ties against Madrid.

"We have more confidence, more experience and we are mentally stronger."

More news from SportingLife.com