Stoke boss Tony Pulis admits this weekend's trip to Old Trafford will pose the greatest challenge to his side.
Potters chief hails Ferguson ahead of United clash
Stoke boss Tony Pulis admits this weekend's trip to Old Trafford to tackle Manchester United will pose the greatest challenge to his side.
The Potters have confounded the critics so far this season by taking four points off Arsenal and Liverpool in their debut campaign in the Premier League.
Pulis is relishing pitting his wits against the reigning champions and he insists his whole squad are excited about the game.
"The players will be so up for it it will be frightening, but we have got to enjoy it as well," Pulis told
Sky Sports News.
"We have got to go there and give them the utmost respect because they deserve it."
Pulis has revealed he will not be changing his style or tactics for the trip to United.
No change
"We won't change any of our preparations and we won't change the way we play. We'll just go there and play to our strengths and give it our best shot," added Pulis.
"We went to Liverpool and did well, so we believe we can get another positive result. We need lots of things to go for us on the day but football is a funny old game and you never know."
Pulis also paid tribute to United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson, labelling him as one of the best managers of all time.
"I don't think people will give Sir Alex the credit he deserves until he's actually left that football club," noted Pulis.
"But he and Sir Matt Busby are undoubtedly the two greatest managers Manchester United have ever had.
"Sir Alex was very fortunate at the beginning that he was given the opportunity and the time to clear the place out and start again. But that's what he did and once he'd won his first trophy it went from strength to strength. He's built his own empire there."
