While an away win in tonight’s Group D clash at Old Trafford would hardly classify as adequate compensation, it could prove pretty damaging to Ferguson, who was booed by his own supporters following Saturday’s home defeat to Blackburn.

Without a victory since the August 28 triumph at Newcastle, the Red Devils’ confidence is at rock bottom.

Although Koeman is expecting a fast start from the hosts as they look to end their barren sequence in style, the legendary Dutch international knows United’s fragile confidence could be fatally undermined if it was Benfica who got the early breakthrough.

“We expect Manchester United to start aggressively and try to get an early goal that will bring a sense of tranquility to the stadium,” he said.

“But if things don’t go well for them and we score, we know it will create an even bigger problem in the camp. That is what we have to try and do.”