Patrice Evra believes Manchester United can send a message to everyone in Europe if they can beat Real Madrid this month.
United take on the Spanish giants in a Round of 16 clash in the UEFA Champions League, with the first leg in Madrid on Wednesday.
And after suffering elimination in the group stages last season, the France international defender reckons beating Real would raise the club's profile back to where it belongs.
"This could lift everyone," said Evra, quoted in the Daily Mirror. "If we can beat Madrid then the response it gives to other teams would be important.
"Don't forget, last year we were knocked out in the first stage of the Champions League and maybe people have that image of Manchester United in Europe.
"We have to change that. That is why I think this is the perfect year to show who we really are.
"We can't miss this opportunity to show ourselves, it would be a massive disappointment.
"This is why I'm really looking forward to the match with Real Madrid. I've been waiting for a big European tie like this for a long time and it's probably the biggest European game since Barcelona in 2008.
"The fans have been waiting for this too. Manchester United v Real Madrid is a game for big players, big characters, big personalities."
