Jose Mourinho thinks that there needs to be a connection between Manchester United fans and players to bring the fear factor back to Old Trafford.
United manager Mourinho takes charge of his first home league game on Friday night when his team host Southampton. But the Portuguese warned that the club will be "in trouble" if the smaller travelling contingent out-sings the home fans at matches played at Old Trafford.
At his news conference on Thursday, Mourinho was asked if he can bring the fear factor back to the ground and replied: "Not me. The team, yes, and the fans too -- and I think everything starts there; the relation between the team and the fans.
"If, at Old Trafford, a couple of thousand away opponents can be more supportive, and more noisy, than 70-something thousand then we are in trouble and it means that there is no connection between the team and the supporters. If there is connection, I think that factor of being strong at home has to be back."
Mourinho has had a strong home record overall during his career, losing just eight league games out of 201 in Premier League, Serie A and La Liga. The United manager says that life will be made even more difficult for teams visiting Old Trafford if a bond can be created between players and the support.
He added: "If the fans feel a connection with the way the team plays and the way the team behaves then there is no chance for the opponent."