Butt: United's Magic Can Happen At Anytime

Nicky Butt believes Manchester United can upset the odds and knock Liverpool out of the Europa League on Thursday.

Speaking at the announcement of the Gulf Oil International partnership deal, the club's newly-appointed Head of Academy admits he is waiting for the magic to happen at Old Trafford and it would certainly take something special for United to progress after the 2-0 first-leg defeat at Anfield.

The club's official betting partner marathonbet rates the Merseysiders as overwhelming 1/8 favourites to reach the quarter-finals with Louis van Gaal's men a 29/5 chance.

Nonetheless, Butt hopes United's first-team squad will be charged up for the double header against Liverpool and Sunday's opponents Manchester City.

"They’re two games I used to look at as a player," Butt told ManUtd.com. "I certainly used to look at them when I was on holiday and the fixtures used to come out for the league. They are the ones I look forward to and they’re two massive games at a massive time of the season.

"Let’s see what that brings. The first one against Liverpool is going to be a tough task, they have two goals on us, but it’s home advantage and I feel, at Old Trafford, with a night game, we’re just waiting for that magic to happen and it can at any time."

Butt's former team-mate and now fellow coach Ryan Giggs is also convinced the current players will relish a crucial week and will be ready for the double-header challenge.

"If we win [on Sunday], then we have a great chance of reaching that top four," Giggs told BBC Radio Manchester. "If we don't, then it will be very difficult for us.

The assistant manager added: "Again, it's a challenge. You're going to your neighbours, you're going to your local rivals. You're a good team and you're trying to win and trying to get further up the table.

"If I was playing, I'd be looking forward to this week. Two brilliant games - Liverpool at home and then City away. It's a brilliant week to look forward to."