This is United’s 12th European Cup semi-final and the fourth time they have reached this stage of the competition in the last five seasons.
Defender John O’Shea believes that United – who have won the trophy three times in their history, the last coming in 2008 – can draw on this experience against Schalke.
“We have to make sure we show them our history, why we have got to finals, why we have won them, why we have been in this situation many times before,” said O’Shea.
“We have to impose ourselves whilst understanding the threats they have, which we will have to cope with.”
In the past, United have not fared well against German opposition at this stage in the competition, twice facing teams from the country in a semi-final and twice losing: to Borussia Dortmund in 1996-97 and Bayer Leverkusen in 2001-02.
In contrast to United, this is Schalke’s first appearance in a European Cup semi-final, their previous best being two quarter-final appearances in 1958-59 and 2007-08.
Also unlike United, Schalke have struggled domestically this season and are languishing in 10th place in the Bundesliga.
Last month, the club sacked manager Felix Magath and replaced him with Ralf Rangnick, but this did not hamper their impressive form in Europe as they hammered holders Inter Milan 7-3 on aggregate to set up the semi-final clash with United.
Although they were beaten for the first time under Rangnick on Saturday, going down 1-0 at home to Kaiserslautern, albeit having fielded a weakened team, they are unbeaten in this season’s Champions League since losing to Lyon in their opening group game.
“We are favourites which adds a bit of pressure, but any side who can score so many goals against Inter Milan has to have something about them,” added O’Shea.
“We have to use our experience to quieten their crowd down. An away goal is always nice but it is not the be all and end all.
“We know if we are in sight when we come back to Old Trafford, we will have a great chance.”
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