It is 19 years since the Scot led his team into the cauldron of Galatasaray's Ali Sami Yen stadium and ended up crashing out of Europe.

The Turks have swapped stadiums, to the plush Turk Telecom Arena, but their fans remain some of the most fanatical in the game.

They turned out in vast numbers to await United's arrival last night, but Ferguson and his players had exited through a separate terminal.

But there will be no escape tonight as United look to defend their 100% record in this season's competition.

Ferguson said: "We didn't get the greeting by the fans this time – we dodged that.

"In 1993 it was something new and quite frightening.

"But we've been here a few times since and we're getting used to the Turkish fanaticism."

With many of his most experienced players, including Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, remaining in Manchester, Darren Fletcher is likely to captain the visitors.

But the Scot has enough experience of Turkish football to know the best way of dealing with what is to come.

"It'll be hostile, the fans are really passionate," he said.

"I've not played against Galatasaray, but I've been to Bursaspor and Besiktas.

"It's a new stadium, a new occasion and, hopefully it will bring out the best in out performance."