Albion boss Tony Mowbray is relishing Saturday's visit to the Theatre of Dreams claiming all of Albion's hard work in winning the Championship last season will be rewarded visiting stadia such as Old Trafford and The Emirates.
The Baggies face possibly their toughest test of the season so far travelling to the European and English champions with Mowbray hoping to cause an upset and possibly recreating the last time Albion beat the Red Devils on their ground in 1978 - a victory seen by many
"We ploughed our way through 46 games last season to play games like this at Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium," Mowbray insisted.
"When we get there we aim to give a good account of ourselves.
"The excitement of this game is for us to go and take on world class players.
"We were winning the Championship last season while they were winning the Champions League Final.
"There's the gulf right in front of your face - but what a challenge!
"We're very respectful of the opposition but United haven't achieved what they have without being respectful of the opposition as well.
"They probably see us a potential banana skin because we're in a bit of form.
"We'll go there and try and make sure we are that banana skin for them.
"I still remember the
"Bryan Robson was the engine room and it was a great team.
"They played with flair, had confidence in their abilities and knew they could attack teams.
"They were strong defensively and had a fantastic midfield.
"With due respect, football has moved on a little bit now and I think United are in a different stratosphere.
"Not just from this football club but from most football clubs.
"I don't think there is a parallel to be made."