“There's always a little pressure when you play such big games. Manchester United are, of course, a very experienced side, but they do have some weaknesses. I think they aren't as confident playing away from home, while our home support should also play a role,” Sergey Ignashevich said.

Much of the Army Men's hopes will be pinned on teenage sensation Alan Dzagoev, who's scored in both of his side's first two Champions League games. And he's one of a number of young talents Manchester United's boss has noted.

“It’s an interesting combination to have – most of the experienced players in the back line and all the young players in the front part of the team – Serbian Krasic and a very good young player Dzagoev,” Sir Alex Ferguson said.

Wayne Rooney is one of a whole host of first team regulars who'll be missing for the visitors as the Manchester United manager rests a number of key players ahead of a massive premiership clash with Liverpool at the weekend.

But even without such an array of talent, Juande Ramos still believes last year's Champions League runners-up will prove difficult to beat, and that Dmitar Berbatov, whom he coached at Tottenham, will be a threat.

“All the best clubs around the world don't just have an excellent starting 11 – they have at least seven players who sit on the bench, who can easily step up to play in the first team. There may be a number of excellent players who won't be appearing for Manchester United against us, but they have equally good replacements,” Juande Ramos said.

“About Dimitar Berbatov – I coached him at Tottenham, and he's the sort of footballer, who has the ability to turn a game, and he'll be a particular threat,” he added.

Manchester United will have happy memories of the Luzhniki Stadium. Just under 18 months ago, they won the Champions League here, after beating Chelsea on penalties. That match was played on grass, but Ferguson’s team will have to get used to an artificial surface this time around. But the Man U boss didn’t speak of it as a big problem.

”It’s a true pitch,” he said. “And the one advantage we’ve got is that most of our players are good footballers.”

Nevertheless, a victory for Manchester United, would put them on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stages, and maintain their 100 per cent group record.