South American champions LDU have warned favourites Manchester United to expect a fight should they meet the Ecuadorian side in next weekend's Club World Cup final.

LDU coach Edgardo Bauza insisted on Saturday that his side could prove tough to break down in Japan, even for the likes of Wayne Rooney and Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

"There's a togetherness and determination about us," the Argentine who goes by the nickname of "Big Duck" told reporters.

"Everyone has pulled together over the past year and performed wonderfully to achieve our goals. Nobody expected us to win the Libertadores Cup but we did.

"I think that we're dangerous opponents for any team."

LDU, who beat Brazil's Fluminense in July's Libertadores Cup final to become the first team from Ecuador to capture the title, face Mexico's Pachuca on Wednesday.

Should they win their semi-final, a dream match with Manchester United beckons at Yokohama on December 21 -- barring an almost unthinkable slip-up from Alex Ferguson's men.

The European champions take on the winners of tomorrow's quarter-final between Japan's Gamba Osaka and Adelaide United of Australia on Thursday.

"People should not jump the gun," said Bauza. "We must get past Pachuca first. My players are desperate to reach the final but we are not looking past our first match."

The Mexicans came from two goals down to beat Egypt's Al Ahly 4-2 in today's first quarter-final.

"Pachuca will be very difficult to beat," added Bauza, whose players on average take a year to earn what Ronaldo takes home in wages each week.

"At the moment we are dreaming simply of winning our semi-final. To come to Japan and play in the Club World Cup for the first time is a massive challenge for LDU."

The Quito-based side have been weakened since winning the Libertadores Cup by the sale of several top players but Bauza stood squarely behind his current squad.

"I don't want to single out any players. It is our unity which has been the key to success," he said. "These players have courage and are highly motivated to become world champions."

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