Patrice Evra will draw on his memories of France’s comeback victory against Ukraine as he hopes Manchester United can stage a similar great escape against Olympiakos.
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The left-back was part of the French side who lost 2-0 to Ukraine in the first leg of November’s playoff but who recovered to win the second meeting 3-0 and qualify for the World Cup.
Now he will line up in the United defence as David Moyes’ team, who lost 2-0 in Greece three weeks ago, seek to overturn the same deficit and earn a place in the last eight of the Champions League.
And Evra believes the key is to remain united and focused amid the criticism that follows a poor result.
He said: “We just let the storm pass. It was a difficult day after the game because we didn’t expect to play as we played but after two days everyone was focused on the same goal. We stick together, we didn’t listen to what people are saying. We just played for all the people who love us: all our family, the fans.”
Evra feels it is vital United start quickly on Wednesday night and halve their deficit as soon as possible to put pressure on the Greek champions.
He explained: “It’s really important you score really early because you can put the pressure on them. When you come to Old Trafford it’s never east when you concede an early goal. I’m confident.
“I’m not somehow to sit here and dream and say we are going to qualify but I believe in that situation. I think the team are good under the pressure. But now it’s too many words, just have to show it on the pitch. That’s most important.”