But Baggies boss Robson knows a measure of skill and luck will be needed to put one across Alex Ferguson, who he played under at United.

Not so long ago Robson was being freely tipped as a likely successor to Ferguson in view of his previous successful association with the club but now he is working desperately hard to establish Albion as a Barclays Premiership side.

Robson said: “My lads will be up for the challenge. We have to go there and enjoy the match but I also want them to win the game.

“The only thing I’ve been surprised about with United this season is that normally they steam-roll teams at Old Trafford. They haven’t really done that this season.

“Looking at the league form they have won more away than at home which is very unusual for them.”

In the circumstances, Robson is not expecting an easy game and admits the immediate pre-match ceremony will be “emotional” for both teams following the death of United legend Best last week.

Robson said: “It will be an emotional night. The United fans are excellent towards ex-players and I am sure they will give a fantastic send off for George Best.

“He was a good friend of mine and it will be an emotional evening at Old Trafford. But once the whistle goes I expect my players to really enjoy the challenge of playing Manchester United.

“There is a great tradition between the two clubs in cup football and I want a good performance from my team and to get into the next round.

“I think everyone will be expecting Manchester United to win the game. They are at Old Trafford and they are an outstanding team.

“So we know whatever team Sir Alex selects it is going to be a tough game for us.

“He will field a side which he thinks is good enough to beat us. Whether that includes some of his squad players rather than his big-hitters I do not know.

“I know he will also have the Portsmouth game on Saturday in his mind which is really important so as not to lose any more ground to Chelsea.

“He will definitely have the Benfica game (in the Champions League) in his mind as well. As a manager over the years he has been very good in the selection of teams for particular games.

“He gets it right most times. We do not know how strong a team he is going to put out. In the previous round against Barnet he played all the kids but on this occasion I feel he will parade one of his strongest sides.”

Robson, meanwhile, is slowly evolving his best team at Albion and does not foresee too many changes in is line-up at Old Trafford.

This will be a giant vote of confidence in the players who have demonstrated a dramatic improvement in recent games including a win over Arsenal and a 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough where they led in an away game for the first time this season.

Whether they are strong enough to combat the emotion, skill and physical strength of United is a test Robson is waiting to observe in his bid to stabilise Albion as a Premiership side.