Stoke City legend and Sentinel columnist Denis Smith previews the trip to Manchester United

MANCHESTER United at Old Trafford ... it doesn't get any better than this.

I used to love playing there because it's such a fabulous stadium and now I'm lucky enough to go there three or four times a year and it's mind-blowing stuff.

But this is what professional footballers are in the game for, so I don't expect any Stoke players to go weak at the knees, especially as they are experienced lads.

Ryan Shawcross will be the youngest of the lot and it's obviously a massive occasion for him going back to the club where he grew up.

He goes there with a point to prove because no player would ever want to leave Man United.

To me, he looks a lot sharper now than at the beginning of the season, but tomorrow will be all about keeping his emotion in check and bringing his best game to the occasion.

Football is a game that's about using your brain, not just about having heart and passion.

Thomas Sorensen will also be a key figure in organising his defence and having a good game himself. He will set little targets like a clean sheet in the first 20, then getting to half-time unbeaten and so on.

Stoke must do the same – and why shouldn't they get through the 90 minutes with something to show for their efforts?

Confidence should be high after only one loss in their last six games and, if I were Tony Pulis, I'd be reminding my players that United are only human beings, believe it or not, and all human beings make mistakes.

We all know how good they are with their touch, their movement and unbelievable skill in most areas. But no player is quite so effective when pressed and has less time on the ball, so it's obvious what Stoke's game plan must be.

I can also see Stoke having the odd chance – and not just from set-pieces – because United will be looking to come forward at every opportunity.

Ricardo Fuller could be the perfect man to take advantage, fingers crossed, but who should play alongside him?

Dave Kitson was outstanding the other night, albeit against Rotherham, as he showed a lot of brains in playing balls through.

It's just a shame he didn't get that first goal.

But if Mama Sidibe is fit, I expect Tony to pick him because it has been a tried and tested formula.

I expect Sir Alex to pick his strongest team as he rested one or two in midweek and there is no Champions' League game next week.

But United haven't exactly been sweeping away all before them on home soil when you consider Newcastle got a goalless draw and Hull had that spirited fightback to only lose 4-3.

And I saw Bolton run United a lot closer than the 2-0 scoreline might suggest because they missed a great chance to go one up, then Mr Styles awarded the home side that controversial penalty.

So there is a chance for Stoke, just as there was when they went to Liverpool to draw 0-0, and no-one will be keeping their fingers crossed as tightly as yours truly.