Louis van Gaal has described Manchester United's crucial Champions League clash with Wolfsburg as the biggest game of his time at Old Trafford.
Van Gaal, a European champion with Ajax in 1995, will see his side drop into the Europa League if they fail to win in Germany and PSV Eindhoven beat CSKA Moscow.
The 64-year-old, who has been in charge of United for 17 months, told a news conference: "I believe this is the most important match, but only at this moment.
"It's also very important for the club to continue in the Champions League and also for the players, because they want to show their qualities on the highest podium."
Van Gaal plans to retire when his contract expires in 2017, meaning this season represents his penultimate chance to reach a fourth Champions League final.
"As a manager I have played three finals so that's a lot, I think," he said.
"I have won one and lost two. Always when you lose you are so close and it's so disappointing, but now we are in the qualification group.
"That is, in my opinion, different as you have to prove as a club, as a team and as player that you can continue -- and that's why it is very important to beat the opponent."
United are without seven injured players -- Wayne Rooney, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Ander Herrera, Phil Jones and Morgan Schneiderlin -- for Tuesday's clash against the DFB-Pokal winners.