With past United players predicting a comfortable win for the visitors, there’s no shortage of incentive to take the game to their star-studded opponents.

New Brisbane Roar recruit Miller has more motivation than most, having made 22 appearances for the Red Devils under former coach, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Less than 48 hours before the two teams face-off in front of a sell-out crowd at ANZ Stadium, Miller told au.fourfourtwo.com there was plenty of fire on the training pitch.

“Obviously we all play in the A-League and I think individually and collectively we want to give a good account of ourselves against a team like Manchester United,” he said.

“Just gelling together for the short period that we have, trying to take on board what the manager has to offer and I think first and foremost enjoying the occasion as well.

“I know for myself on a personal note I want to do as well as I can if I get the nod, or if I play some part. I think all the boys are the same, bearing in mind that we’re only a couple of weeks into the preseason here.”

They’ll be up against the reigning English Premier League champions who are just a month out from the start of a new season, and keen to atone for a toothless 1-0 loss against the Thailand All Stars in Bangkok last weekend.

Miller said there’s huge excitement among the local lads: “It’s probably an old cliché, but the squad I think has mixed really well. We’re all in a similar situation, wanting to do well and promote the A-League in the best manner as we can.

“We’re all really looking forward to the game and the chance to play in front of 85,000 or close to it – it’s certainly not something you do every day, certainly not over here.”

One of the highlights for the Irishman has been working under Melbourne Victory tactician Ange Postecoglou.

Depending on who the title-winning coach puts on the field, it could also be Miller’s first taste of playing with Roar teammates – Besart Berisha, Thomas Broich and Michael Theo – since being lured from Perth Glory in the off-season.

“You don’t know what to expect under a new manager and obviously it being a quick transition and just being in there for a short time,” Miller said

“But (Postecoglou) has managed to put his stamp on one or two things and obviously what he’d like us to do for the upcoming game. It’s been a privilege working under Ange.”

Miller turned down a long-term contract to stay with Glasgow giants Celtic in 2004, opting for Old Trafford. But his stint with the Red Devils failed to reach the heights he had hoped, and after two seasons he moved on, first a loan deal with Leeds followed by Queens Park Rangers and Hibernian.

Even so the classy midfielder still lists Ferguson as one of the most influential figures in his career. The legendary manager has, of course, recently handed the United reins to another Scot, former Everton boss David Moyes.

Miller said: “For me obviously it was a great period and obviously at the same time frustrating toward the end.

“But looking back it was a hell of an experience – it was a privilege to play under Sir Alex. He was always very positive. He was at every training session and always encouraging.

“Once you were at United, you were made to feel equal with any other player on the pitch, which was probably the culture and history of the club. It was certainly great times for myself to be involved there.

“(Moyes) trying to fill the boots of Sir Alex Ferguson is no easy task. No matter what, you’re going to be judged from the moment you walk in. I think it’s like any manager, you need to give him time, and hopefully he gets that.”

Miller’s link with United has led to plenty of good-natured banter between the former Republic of Ireland international and past Red Devils including inaugural Sydney FC marquee Dwight Yorke, Andrew Cole and Denis Irwin.

“(Yorke) tipped United to win 3-1 and the two other boys jumped on the bandwagon – so on the plus side we’re going to score one,” Miller laughed.

“I haven’t told that story to our boys yet so I might just manage to score it myself.”

Certainly a side-benefit of the lead-up to the event for the 32-year-old has been getting to know other A-League players, with the potential of extra spice when they finally face-off in the 2013/14 campaign.

Miller for one is anticipating a “bit more craic” on the pitch when the highly-anticipated season kicks off in October.