Andre Schurrle says Wolfsburg can make history against Man United

Wolfsburg's Andre Schurrle speaks during a press conference ahead of the match against Manchester United

Andre Schurrle says Wolfsburg are ready to make history on Tuesday night by defeating Manchester United and advancing to the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time.

Wolfsburg lead Group B and need just a point against United to reach the last 16, but must win to be sure of progressing as group winners.

Runs to the quarter-finals of the Europa League in 2009-10 and last season represent the Bundesliga side's best performances in European competition to date, but the club are determined to go a step further this season.

Former Chelsea star Schurrle - who left the Blues in January - is confident Wolfsburg can make a statement by getting at least the draw they need, which could potentially knock the Red Devils out.

"We're looking forward to it and know it's a big opportunity for us also to make history with Wolfsburg," said Schurrle.

"It's an extremely beautiful game and that's why we're extremely motivated."

United have struggled in front of goal of late with five scoreless draws in their past nine games, including last time out in the Champions League at home to PSV Eindhoven.

Schurrle is surprised at the extent Louis van Gaal's side - who will be without captain Wayne Rooney - have struggled to put the ball in the net but remains wary of the talent they possess.

"It's surprising that they are struggling to score goals, but they have amazing players and they know where the goal is, so we've got to be very careful," said Schurrle.

"When you speak about United, you speak about a big club.

"We know we will get chances, and if we convert our opportunities we can have a great game against a great club."

Wolfsburg come into the game off the back of a 2-1 loss at home to Borussia Dortmund last Saturday.

Shinji Kagawa of Dortmund is challenged by Julian Draxler of Wolfsburg during Saturday's match

After Ricardo Rodriguez's 90th minute penalty pulled Wolfsburg level, former United midfielder Shinji Kagawa hit the winner with virtually the last kick of the Bundesliga match for Dortmund.

German international Julian Draxler warned his team-mates they cannot afford similar lapses of concentration against United but is confident Wolfsburg have the quality to win in front of their sell-out 26,400 home crowd.

"We need to cut out the simple mistake," said Draxler. "If we play like we did in the second-half against Dortmund, I am sure we will win against United."