United take on the Italian giants knowing a win could make sure of their place in Group F's top two, thereby making sure of their place in the knockout stage.

But their hopes also depend on the outcome of Borussia Dortmund's clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the group's other final game, with the stage set for what could be a absorbing night on Tyneside.

The Magpies have already beaten PSG 4-1 at home in the Champions League this season, and head coach Howe - who was speaking to the media at his pre-match briefing - is eyeing another memorable evening under the lights, and says he and his players "will do everything we can to try and win".

Here are some of the other topics that were up for discussion at Howe's media briefing at St. James' Park:

On the prospect of Wednesday night's game...

"We are very positive going into the game. It has all the hallmarks of being a very special night. All we can do is to try and win the game and give our best performance.

"We want to make this a magical European night.

"Being under the lights here, in the Champions League, is always very special - something to play for, something to gain.

"We are where we are, in the position we are in. We are looking to improve on our last two performances. The lads are very focused. We want to do everything to progress."

On the availability of Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson, who made their returns from injury at Spurs on Sunday...

"Sean is a consideration, but we have a lot of information to digest, with Callum as well.

"I have some big calls to make for the first time in a long time, thankfully. It was great to see them both back involved but we will need to make the right decision for the team."

On his team's confidence ahead of the match, and the permutations around Wednesday's game...

"To be here with some kind of destiny in our hands - European football still in our hands - I think we would have taken that at the start of the group.

"We can control our performance tomorrow and give everything we can to try and win. We will respect our opponents - we played well in Milan, it was a really open game. They are a good team, but we are going into this one confident.

"We are desperate to stay in this competition first and foremost, and if we can't then stay in Europe.

"Our intention is to do everything we can to try and win the match. We worked so hard to get to this position in the first place - we gave everything last year to try and achieve this level of football. We do not want to give it away lightly."

On the backing his side will receive from Magpies fans on Wednesday night...

"They have been there for us this season. We are going to need every voice, every person can make a difference for us.

"We need to create an atmosphere - the supporters have never let us down at home, they have really driven us on, in tight games they have really given us the ability to carry on. We are going to need that again."