Glory will enter the match missing a host of their best players, with Diego Castro, Andy Keogh, Matthew Spiranovic, Dino Djulbic, and Chris Ikonomidis among those unavailable.

It means Popovic's two sons - 17-year-old Kristian and 15-year-old Gabriel - could be in line for some game time.

Gabriel is a huge Manchester United supporter - as are a host of other Glory players.

Popovic wants his team to take a winning mindset into the game, and says any star gazing can be saved until after the match.

"I'm sure that there is time to admire them and consider who you played against after the game," Popovic said.

"But we don't want them doing that during the match.

"We've got players here in our group that get disappointed when Manchester United doesn't win, and they stay up and watch the games.

"I've got one of my sons (Gabriel) that does not miss a game of Manchester United. That just shows how big and special they are as a club.

"It (playing against United) is something these players haven't experienced and may not experience again. So you want to make the most of it. You don't want to get stage fright on the day.

"I really want the players to be relaxed and enjoy it and also be focused and go out there and show our football."

Glory put up a strong fight against EPL powerhouse Chelsea last year, only losing 1-0.

Popovic wants his players to do Glory proud again when they take on Manchester United.

"In every football game, you need to go out and you want to try to win the game," Popovic said.

"You don't go out there and say, 'Ok let's just run around here and make it pleasant for Manchester United'.

"We don't want to just turn up. We understand where we sit in terms of football. But we played Chelsea last year and we made a good account of ourselves."

Former Melbourne City striker Bruno Fornaroli will make his Glory debut during the match.

Australian Associated Press