Louis van Gaal admits Manchester United have put themselves in a tricky position by needing to win in Wolfsburg to guarantee their progression to the Champions League knockout stages.
United knew victory against PSV Eindhoven last month would send them through to the last 16, but they fluffed their lines on the night at Old Trafford.
Van Gaal's team could only muster a goalless draw against the Dutch champions and Wolfsburg's 2-0 win at CSKA Moscow on the same night put United's place in the competition in jeopardy.
The United hierarchy expected the team to breeze through the group stages, but now only victory at the Volkswagen Arena on Tuesday will definitely send the Red Devils through.
"We have a huge Champions League match on Tuesday night at Wolfsburg," manager Van Gaal told United Review.
"After the disappointing result against PSV Eindhoven at Old Trafford last month we now know what we have to do in order to progress to the knockout stages of the competition: win.
"We have not made it easy for ourselves but we know that victory in Germany will not only guarantee qualification but also ensure we finish top of our group."
Finishing top of Group B will mean United avoid the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the second round.
But Wolfsburg are no pushovers, particularly at the Volkswagen Arena.
In all competitions, Wolfsburg have lost just three of their last 41 home games and have a 100 per cent record there in the Champions League this term.
On the face of it, United have a tough task ahead of them, but Morgan Schneiderlin is sure he and his team-mates can finish the job in Germany.
"We are confident we can do it," the United midfielder said.
"We beat them at home and we have our destiny on our hands.
"It's very important for the club and for the players to get to the next stage and we are going out to win in Wolfsburg. They are a very good team and it's never easy in Germany but we will prepare for the game as though it was the final."
The £25million summer signing is licking his lips at the prospect of playing in the last 16 for the first time.
"The Champions League group stages are important but the real aspect of the competition is the knockout stages," the former Southampton midfielder.
"You know the best 16 teams in Europe are involved in it and we are looking forward to trying to put Manchester United in this category.
"Last year we did not have Champions League football here so we are determined to get among the best teams in Europe.
"After that anything is possible in this tournament."
Source: PA
