Patrice Evra is hoping that Manchester United can smother Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo with love at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Ronaldo returns to Old Trafford for the first time since his world record £80million move to Madrid desperate to dump his old club out of the UEFA Champions League. The former FIFA World Player of the Year has already done some damage, cancelling out Danny Welbeck's opener at the Bernabeu three weeks ago.
Any intervention this week could prove terminal to United's hopes of progress though. And having spoken to his former team-mate in the aftermath of that 1-1 draw in Madrid, Evra feels Ronaldo may find it difficult knowing so much good feeling for him remains amongst the Red Devils faithful.
"It is difficult when you play with love," Evra told MUTV. "Cristiano will get a great reception on Tuesday because of what he achieved for Manchester United. The fans will never forget what he did. Also, he still loves the club.
"I remember after the game in Madrid we had a chat. He said it was going to be more difficult to come here. This is his house, so there will be a lot of emotion. I hope he doesn't play well because of that.
"But Ronaldo is a winner. He is a big competitor. If he can win against Manchester United he will do it."