Ryan Giggs has told Manchester United fans to strap themselves in and get ready for the ride of their lives at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
United entertain Real Madrid in a Champions League last-16 second-leg clash knowing a goalless draw will be enough to clinch a quarter-final berth.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson does not think that will happen, though, considering the strengths of both sides lies in their attack rather than defences which have rarely been watertight this season.
It is just one of the reasons to look back on Real's last visit to old Trafford, an amazing occasion that finished 4-3 to United thanks to two goals from David Beckham and a comeback that followed a hat-trick from Brazilian forward Ronaldo, which earned him a standing ovation from the Stretford End.
"It was two great sides and there were so many goals. It could be similar on Tuesday," said Giggs.
"When you have that much firepower on the pitch, undoubtedly there are going to be chances and goals."
And the spectre of Ronaldo remains. Only this time it is the man who once delighted the Old Trafford faithful rather than the one who remains the highest goalscorer in World Cup history, whom Ferguson rather cruelly dismissed on Monday.
"The older one, the fatter one, peaked as a centre-forward at that time," said Ferguson.
"(Cristiano) Ronaldo is a supreme athlete. He never misses a game, has fantastic physique, two great feet, pace, he is good in the air.
"My biggest concern is if he turns up because you expect problems.
"We have to try and curtail that as best as we can. It won't be easy because he does it every week.
"But it isn't something we should fear. If we go in worried about the damage Cristiano can do we forget what we can do ourselves."
Phil Jones has been ruled out of the game.
Ferguson confirmed Jones has not recovered from the ankle injury he sustained during the FA Cup win over Reading a fortnight ago.
Paul Scholes (knee) is also sidelined, although fellow veteran Giggs is set to make the 1,000th senior appearance of his career.
Giggs added: "I am obviously proud of playing that many games.
"You set out different goals at the start of your career. First you want to get in the team, then stay in it. Then you want to win things.
"You never think you are going to get to 1,000 games."
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has confirmed goalkeeper Iker Casillas is not fit to face United.
The Spain international only returned to training on Thursday after sustaining a broken hand against Valencia on January 23 and, although he travelled with the squad, he will not be considered.
"Everyone is fit and ready to play and be considered, with the exception of Iker Casillas," Mourinho said ahead of the second leg of the last-16 tie.
"We are sorry we had to travel yesterday (on Sunday because of a baggage handlers strike) because we don't like to wait.
"The emotion is high and we want to play.
"The world will stop to watch this tie, which doesn't look like a tie it looks like a final."
The match marks the first return of ex-United forward Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford, and much of the pre-match focus has been on him with Sir Alex Ferguson having spoken in glowing terms about his former charge.
"I think he is fine, as far as I am aware," the Madrid boss added.
"I think any accolade he gets is more than deserved and I think the reception he will get from the crowd will be deserved.
"I am aware how well he did here and what an impact he had at the club."
