A 29-year run without a home win against United was ended last season with a 1-0 victory courtesy of Nicolas Anelka's goal on November 24 2007.

It was also Megson's first victory since taking over the previous month, with the club struggling at the bottom of the table.

The Bolton boss knows the defeat was a source of great frustration to Sir Alex Ferguson - and that, combined with the fact the Red Devils have the chance to go top of the Barclays Premier League with a win, means Bolton are likely to face a fired-up United.

"It was a good result for us last year," said Megson.

"It stuck in the throat a bit in that if we could play like we did against United all the time we could be in the top six, and not the bottom six.

"Every player wants to play against them but, more importantly, wants to be in a team that beats them.

"We are no different, and that is what we are looking to do again. But our result against them last year will make it harder for us.

"Someone told me Sir Alex said his two disappointments last year were losing at our place and somewhere else."

The match represents the conclusion of possibly the most difficult stretch of Bolton's season.

In the last five weeks they have faced Chelsea, Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Liverpool, Wigan and Arsenal.

Megson may not have publicly expressed his relief at seeing an end to meeting top-five sides - which has resulted in five defeats in six league matches - but it should make a difference to their season.

"How many did you think we would win?" he asked.

"We have played all the top teams in one go at a time when we were at our weakest.

"We will be giving it our best shot against United. But it doesn't follow that the teams we will be playing afterwards are any weaker - they are just not the ones in the top four."

Megson is hoping for an improvement from his players, after their last home match ended in a 1-0 defeat against near neighbours Wigan.

"I was a bit disappointed the last time out against Wigan. We didn't play with our usual verve," he added.

"When Manchester United come to town the atmosphere and enthusiasm the players show and the desire and the drive they have takes care of itself because of who they are playing.

"That only comes from the fact they are playing against world-class players and arguably the biggest club in the world."

Injuries and suspension continue to affect Megson's selection from a squad which is so small he named only four substitutes at Arsenal last weekend.

Centre-back Gary Cahill could return from a three-match absence, after almost fully recovering from a hip injury, while right-back Gretar Steinsson is back from suspension. Captain Kevin Nolan is still banned.

Midfielder Gavin McCann (broken toe) and striker Johan Elmander (hamstring) are both missing, after sustaining injuries at Arsenal - while Zenit St Petersburg defender Sebastien Puygrenier, signed on loan last week, is included in the squad after his international clearance came through.