The manager is expecting a 'cauldron of noise' to greet the two sets of players and is hoping the atmosphere will help inspire his troops. With everybody being urged to get to their seats early to start showing their support, Reds legend Paddy Crerand has also joined the call to action.
For Sir Alex, it is clear he cannot wait to experience what could be another memorable occasion at the Theatre of Dreams. "We have a fantastic home record overall, and we look to our supporters to create another of those special European nights," declared the boss in tonight's United Review, the official matchday programme.
"When we get to the nitty-gritty stage of a competition, our fans always respond. The volume from the crowd goes up, and all the players will tell you that it helps enormously. I'm banking on you!
"So, once again, I ask you to make Old Trafford a cauldron of noise this evening, I know we take you on a rollercoaster of emotion sometimes, and occasionally leave it late to pull something out of a game..but you know we never give in. It's a quality built into our genes and it's part of United's history which is important."
Ex-Reds star Crerand, writing in his column in United Review, challenged the fans to better their amazing support in the first leg. "The United fans were incredible at Stamford Bridge," he stated. "I've heard them in many European ties away from Old Trafford, and they've created better atmospheres, but they have rarely been better than they were at Chelsea last week.
"I was in my seat 40 minutes before kick-off, and they were already singing and never stopped. What a lift that gave the players.
"Chelsea's fans were on their team's backs because of the United goal. It does players no good to hear their own supporters moaning - that's why I expect United fans to be in great voice tonight."
The challenge has been set for the Reds supporters and it's unlikely they will let anybody down.
Sir Alex expects a stern test from Chelsea despite the slender one-goal advantage from the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
"One thing for certain is that I am sure it will be a cracking game. Chelsea are a first-class team, with a shrewd manager in Carlo Ancelotti. They are a powerful team, and there is not a lot to choose between the sides so we will have to be at our best again this evening if we are to get through.
"Between us, I believe we can produce for Europe a football match that will reflect the quality and drama that make up the English Premier League these days."
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