United Ready For The Cauldron

Jose Mourinho and Anthony Martial are both excited by the fiery atmosphere that will await Manchester United in tonight’s Europa League Round of 32 second-leg tie at Saint-Etienne.

The Stade Geoffroy-Guichard can hold up to 42,000 fans and the venue is known to be a particularly imposing arena when at full capacity, with supporters of Les Verts highly respected in French football.

Any United fans who were at Old Trafford for last Thursday's 3-0 first-leg victory will have also noted the impressive amount of noise that stemmed from the few thousand travellers in the away end.

Mourinho spoke about 'The Cauldron' during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday and the manager admitted he is looking forward to the experience, although he amusingly pointed out he would prefer not to be engulfed by the smoke that streams from the flares often used by the Saint-Etienne fans.

“I played here with Porto and I came back later for Saint-Etienne versus Olympique Lyon because I was getting Lyon in the Champions League draw,” Jose said. “I know the stadium is more beautiful now but I know the stadium, I know the atmosphere, and I know that tomorrow will be amazing to play.

“Everyone likes that - I don't like to breathe the smoke, and I don't think the players like to breathe the smoke. I don't think Monsieur President likes to pay money to UEFA because of the smoke.

"So without smoke if possible, I want to enjoy the atmosphere, my players want to enjoy the atmosphere, and hopefully it's a very good match for everyone.”

Anthony Martial has previously played at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard as a Monaco player and the France international was also quizzed by the media on what his team-mates should expect.

“It is a big atmosphere, a great atmosphere, maybe the greatest in France and we know their fans will motivate them very well,” the young forward told reporters in his homeland. “We need to keep our focus and score a goal that will end their hopes of qualification.”