The rock-bottom Rams suffered the latest in a long line of humiliating defeats in midweek, a 6-1 thrashing at Chelsea, and the beleaguered County boss concedes the visit of the Red Devils to Pride Park could be an even more difficult game.

Jewell has demanded his team show courage and hopes they will be "stung into action" by Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who will return to the top for at least a few hours if they secure the three points.

Asked if a game against United was the worst possible fixture on the back of Wednesday's defeat at Stamford Bridge, Jewell replied: "It can be if we don't approach the game in a positive manner.

"We have to approach the game being brave on the ball and off the ball. We have to try and get stung into action somehow.

"I was a little bit embarrassed the other night against a wonderful team and we are playing an equally good if not better team tomorrow.

"In football you always have a chance. If the lads go out there and give it everything they've got but get beaten by the better team no problem.

"It's when we have that little bit of fear, we shouldn't be fearful of playing a football match.

"We have to try and get rid of that fear. If we are fearful of playing Manchester United tomorrow they'll get tortured."

Jewell, who is yet to win a league game as Rams boss, admits the truth is County are unable to compete with the teams in the upper echelons of the league because they are simply "not good enough".

"After games it's very difficult for me going to press conferences," he added.

"You're asked your opinion on players and you're hurting so much sometimes you speak when probably you're better off saying nothing. I've lambasted the players and said they weren't good enough.

"The players are not good enough at this moment in time to compete against Chelsea or Manchester United.

"They're just a little bit out of their depth. I'm not saying they all are, they're not bad players at all but we're lacking in certain areas and we've been punished for that."

He added: "We have to try and get a team out on the park next year that gives us something to be proud of and if we come back to give Manchester United a game."

The game will be officiated by Phil Dowd, the referee Jewell famously accused of potentially costing his then Wigan team £50million following his display in the defeat to Arsenal in February last year.

Meanwhile, midfielder Giles Barnes has undergone knee surgery in the United States and will have to return there at a later date for a second operation.