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[yinyang]

Without our regular 8 players, let's hope we dun lose out unlike 2005..

How Man Utd and Milan match up
By Tom Fordyce

Manchester United are out to avoid a third Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Italian side Milan when the two sides meet at Old Trafford.

Milan's Kaka leads the Champions League scorers with seven goals

With both sides packed with talent - Kaka, Alberto Gilardino, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney to name but a few - the scene is set for an epic tussle over two legs.

Alberto Zaccheroni enjoyed a successful career in Serie A - leading unheralded Udinese to third place in 1998 and then moving to Milan and helping them win the title the following season.

Here Zaccheroni shares his insights on how the two giant sides will prepare for the match.

CAN UNITED NULLIFY KAKA?
Zaccheroni says: Kaka is Milan's greatest attacking threat, not only because of his skill but also because of where he likes to play - in between the opposition's defence and midfield.

That makes him very hard to pick up, especially for a team set up as 4-4-2.

United's best chance of keeping him quiet is to stay as compact as possible through the middle, minimising the space between the two lines of the back four and the midfield.

Deny Kaka the space to operate and you make it much harder for him to weave his magic.

CAN MILAN STOP RONALDO AND ROONEY?
It sounds obvious, but these two are absolutely top players, and it's very difficult to stop them.

That's what sets apart the best players - you might be aware of what they can do, but they are good enough to get around your plans.

Milan will almost certainly look to use the energy and commitment of Gennaro Gattuso and Massimo Ambrosini, and detail them to put as much pressure as possible on Rooney or Ronaldo as soon as they receive the ball.

They'll also look to double-up against them, creating a two versus one situation so the United man has no space in which to use the ball and no time to do anything with it.

MILAN'S FIRST-LEG FORMATION
I expect Milan to adopt a 4-3-2-1 formation at Old Trafford - otherwise known as the Christmas tree.

It gives them a lot of solidity at the back and in the midfield, and also allows them to use two attacking midfielders like Kaka and Clarence Seedorf.

They are likely to play a lone striker up front and use the pace to get behind the United defence and exploit little balls played into space.

HOW MILAN WILL KEEP UNITED AT BAY
Milan will have two main concerns: United's threat on the counter-attack, and the passing of the central midfield pair of Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.

Zaccheroni won the Serie A title with Milan in 1999

It might sound strange talking about United's counter-attack when they are at home in the first leg, but they have so much pace and skill on the break that they can be devastating - particularly through Ryan Giggs, Ronaldo and Rooney.

In terms of Carrick and Scholes, Milan will make it a priority to deny them any space.

They will aim to starve them of possession and then, when they have the ball, to close them down as quickly as possible.

They will also be wary of the runs of Carrick and Scholes from deep areas into goalscoring positions, which is something which has brought United a lot of success this season.

THE KEY MEN
Simple - for United it will be the attacking threat and unpredictability of Ronaldo and Rooney, and for Milan Kaka and Andrea Pirlo.

If either side can negate the opposition's main attacking threats, they will go a long way towards booking their place in the Champions League final.

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Injury-ravaged United prepare for Milan

Sir Alex Ferguson had only 10 senior outfield players available at the start of Manchester United's final training session ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against AC Milan.

With Rio Ferdinand ruled out for a fortnight after aggravating his groin injury against Middlesbrough at the weekend, Ferguson is already condemned to fielding a makeshift defence against the six-times winners at Old Trafford.



And his hopes of having Patrice Evra available are now in doubt after the Frenchman was part of a small group, including Kieran Richardson, Louis Saha and Nemanja Vidic, who trained separately from the main group of senior players.

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Injury-ravaged United prepare for Milan

If Evra does not make it, Darren Fletcher seems certain to fill the right-back role against the Serie A giants, with John O'Shea partnering Wes Brown in central defence, as he did in the second-half against Boro.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did not train, although the Norwegian is expected to be available.



However, unless one of Ferguson's stars makes an unexpected recovery, United's bench will be packed with youngsters, including Dong Fangzhou and Chris Eagles, neither of whom have made a competitive appearance for the Red Devils this term.

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Milan give Giggs cause for concern
Monday, 23 April 2007

Ryan Giggs singled out Kaká and Clarence Seedorf as AC Milan's greatest threats as Manchester United FC prepare to take on the six-time European champions in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Milan threat
With United expected to take the game to the Italian side in the first leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday, Giggs warned against over-committing in attack against a side at its best on the break. "Milan have the players to counterattack well with Kaká and [Clarence] Seedorf," the 33-year-old winger told uefa.com. "They float around looking to exploit gaps. With the experience they have at the back they can sit back and defend comfortably and hit teams fast on the break. That is their main strength."

Tougher test
United set pulses racing on their last European night at Old Trafford with a breathtaking 7-1 win against AS Roma in the quarter-finals. The result has raised hopes Sir Alex Ferguson's side could win a third European Champion Clubs' Cup, but Giggs expects a much tighter game against Milan. Rather than Roma, Giggs believes United's last semi-final against Italian opposition, Juventus eight years ago, is a better indication of what the tie will be like. "It will be close like '99," he said. "Most semis are close and these are two very good experienced teams who know what's at stake. It will be closely fought."

'Amazing'
United showed all their resilience to overcome Juve in April 1999, recovering from 2-0 down in the Stadio Delle Alpi in the second leg to win 3-2 and go through 4-3 on aggregate. It was a performance, Giggs believes, on a par with the rout of Roma. "The Juve win was like a final, and to come back from 2-0 down against them was an incredible achievement. But to score seven against a top Serie A side was also amazing. They were as good as each other."

'Mad celebrations'
United went on to defeat FC Bayern München in a thrilling final - though Giggs concedes, "the '99 memories are sketchy. It was a bad game until the last two minutes. All I really remember is the two late goals and the mad celebrations afterwards. It was quite a night. I wish I could remember more." That thrilling 2-1 victory at the Camp Nou completed the treble for United who are in a position to repeat the feat this term.

'Best shot'
Already through to the FA Cup final and top of the Premiership, Giggs has the chance to make a few more memories before the end of the season. "With cup games there is an element of luck involved so for us to get the treble we're going to need everything to go in our favour. You need fortune with injuries and things like that but we will give it our best shot."



Ronaldo praise
United will welcome back Paul Scholes after suspension on Tuesday, who was also banned for that 1999 final and is a player Giggs believes is "getting better and better". Not that United are short of potential match-winners. Giggs himself, captain in the absence of Gary Neville, was sensational against Roma, playing a part in four goals and Wayne Rooney was again on the scoresheet. Cristiano Ronaldo, though, is picked out for special praise. "Ronni is flying this season," Giggs said. "He's probably the best in the world right now. At his age and as a winger he is nothing short of brilliant."

Ryan Giggs was talking in the uefa.com chatroom.

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Ferguson unfazed by mounting injuries
'We have concerns about one or two injuries. But I don't have any fears'

Manchester United may be set to go into tomorrow night's Champions League semi-final first leg against Milan with only three recognised defenders, but Sir Alex Ferguson remains unworried by the prospect.

Rio Ferdinand, who aggravated a groin injury against Middlesbrough on Saturday, has joined Nemanja Vidic, Gary Neville, Mikael Silvestre, Louis Saha, Park Ji-sung and Kieran Richardson on the sick list, and Patrice Evra likely only to make the bench. Darren Fletcher is expected to line up at right-back alongside Wes Brown and Gabriel Heinze, with John O'Shea at left-back.

With the squad stretched, United's bench is likely to be swelled by relatively inexperienced youngsters, such as Chris Eagles. But Ferguson was keen to downplay the situation, saying: "We have concerns about one or two injuries. But I don't have any fears. We'll have important players available for the game, so the one problem I have is perhaps an inadequate bench. But we're happy with the squad available tomorrow. You do miss players like Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Louis Saha in big matches, but the spirit of the team is good."



Ferguson also praised his team's character and togetherness ahead of a meeting with the club that beat United home and away in this competition two years ago. "At this stage of the season you're always looking for signs [of nervousness], you hope you don't see them but you're always looking, and I'm not seeing any signs," added Ferguson. "Training has been fantastic, there's great banter and the atmosphere in the dressing room is fantastic. They're all contributing in showing camaraderie with each other. Their friendships have developed and it's very good. I think it's galvanised the team to a level where they know they can play football, but are prepared to muck it out where necessary. They're showing great determination to get through games."

As in their away victory in the previous round over Bayern Munich, Milan are likely to play with just one striker, this time Alberto Gilardino rather than Pippo Inzaghi, but in midfield they have the competition's top scorer in the form of the Brazilian Kaka, who has found the net seven times. "He's a very talented player," said Ferguson of Kaka. "He does have good movement, which springs him into different positions. That shouldn't be the biggest problem for us because English teams always play zonal defending anyway."

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Ferguson rejects Mourinho penalty jibe

Sir Alex Ferguson has responded to Jose Mourinho's outburst over an penalty appeal that Middlesbrough were denied against Manchester United by arguing that John O'Shea touched the ball in his contentious challenge on Lee Dong-Gook.

After seeing that incident pass unpunished, and another by Gabriel Heinze on Luton Shelton in United's defeat of Sheffield United on Tuesday, Mourinho lost his temper yesterday when Chelsea were refused a spot-kick against Newcastle. However, Ferguson said today: "I have looked at Saturday's incident and O'Shea definitely got the ball, there is no doubt about it."

In an interview after his side's drew 0-0 at St James' Park to dent their Premiership aspirations, Mourinho had suggested there was a conspiracy among his clubs to favour the Premiership leaders.

Infuriated by referee Mark Halsey's decision not to penalise Stephen Carr after he appeared to handle a cross from Salomon Kalou, Mourinho said: "One rule is that penalties are not allowed against Manchester United and the other is that Chelsea don't get penalties. With these new football rules, we are doing well and, if someone punishes me for speaking the truth, it is the end of democracy."

Mourinho's allegations carried a sinister undertone, although he denied it. “I’m just speaking about facts,” he said, “not conspiracy, so nobody can punish me. It looks as if it’s forbidden to give a penalty against United or in our favour. If anyone tells me it wasn’t a penalty for Sheffield, a penalty for Middlesbrough or one for us against Newcastle, I will go to my optician.”

Yet the tenth-minute incident involving Carr at St James’ Park was not clear-cut and other statistics cast doubt on Mourinho’s contention. United have had three penalties awarded against them at their own ground — albeit in comfortable victories over Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers — while Chelsea have scored from the spot on five occasions this season.

He was more sanguine about Friday’s statement by Peter Kenyon, the Chelsea chief executive, who said that Mourinho would not be dismissed this summer. Roman Abramovich was on Tyneside to witness a disappointing performance, but Mourinho is still to discuss his future with the club’s owner. One element of friction appears to have been resolved, with Mourinho saying that his backroom staff were to be awarded new contracts and that “no” additions were being imposed upon him. “The story is over,” he said. “I have worked with the board for almost three years. It feels good and we’ll work together for the future.”

[qbdp]

Thin red line must protect United pride
Tuesday April 24, 2007

There is something in Manchester United's DNA that means they never do things the easy way, and tonight's Champions League semi-final against Milan promises to test their powers of endurance to the limit. Never before has Sir Alex Ferguson's team gone into such a big match so handicapped by the loss of key players, with confirmation last night that the Premiership leaders will be missing their entire first-choice defence.

Ferguson's admission that Patrice Evra will be fit enough only to be a substitute, at best, means that United will go into their first semi-final for five years with a completely reconfigured defence already missing Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. Uefa's statistics show Milan have had more shots on goal in this season's competition than any other side, and Old Trafford will be filled with apprehension to learn a fringe midfielder, Darren Fletcher, will play at right-back.

"Thanks for reminding me," Ferguson observed ruefully when asked whether he was concerned that Wes Brown, so outplayed by Middlesbrough's Mark Viduka on Saturday, was the only recognised centre-half available. Ferguson has no time for self-pity and he stubbornly insisted he was "happy with the squad". Yet United, in his own words, are "down to the bare bones" and in the midst of "an injury crisis of major proportions".

John O'Shea, now regarded at Old Trafford as a midfielder, shared Brown's discomfort in the centre of defence against Middlesbrough, and a visit to United's training ground yesterday inspired only foreboding given that there were only 10 senior outfield players going through the drills. Evra was restricted to light jogging alongside Vidic, Kieran Richardson and Louis Saha. Mikaël Silvestre and the back-up defender Craig Cathcart are out for the season. Ferdinand and Park Ji-Sung await specialist reports and Neville, out since March 17, was not even kitted out.

The first question for Ferguson at his press conference was whether he had enough players to name a complete squad. "Of course we have," he responded testily. Later, however, he admitted it would be a struggle to name "an adequate bench". While Milan's substitutes will include the likes of Cafu, Alessandro Costacurta and Filippo Inzhagi, United's back-up options incorporate Dong Fangzhou, Chris Eagles, Kieran Lee and David Gray.

If United get past this richly experienced Milan side over two legs it will be a feat to rank alongside any of Ferguson's achievements, not least the 7-1 humiliation of Roma in the last round. Milan, are in their fourth semi-final in five years and have eight players who have at least one Champions League winner's medal and, in Clarence Seedorf's case, three.

Much of the build-up has concentrated on whether Milan's defence - derided as "dinosaurs" on the sports pages of La Repubblica - can cope with the pace and penetration of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. It is an overly simplistic theory, however, and Ferguson does not believe the average age of Carlo Ancelotti's back four (32.2 years) to be a major disadvantage to a club that prides itself on parsimonious defending. United's manager recalled Paolo Maldini's man-of-the-match display in Milan's 2-0 win at Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. "He played the entire 90 minutes without making a tackle," he enthused about a 38-year-old he regards as the most intelligent defender in world football. "It's an art."



Ferguson's defensive resources are so sparse he was not in any position to start picking out possible Milan weaknesses, but he was as upbeat as he possibly could be. "I don't have any fears about it," he said. "I see the mood in the camp and it pleases me. I'm always looking for signs at this time of the year about nerves. But I see none. Yes, we have concerns about one or two injuries and you do miss players such as Ferdinand and Neville and Saha. But we also have important players playing. On Saturday we saw some anxiety and some bad decision-making in the last third. But no one was hiding. Everyone wanted the ball, which is a good sign."

He reflected that Fletcher and O'Shea - two players frequently maligned by United's fans - were outstanding against Roma, although he quickly pointed out that was a "once-in-a-lifetime" result. Nothing so spectacular can be expected tonight when, despite United's natural tendency to attack, the trick will be not to concede an away goal before the return at San Siro a week tomorrow.

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Man United v AC Milan: Injuries, yes. Nerves? No. Sir Alex has faith in his squad

By Ian Clarkson 02-04-07

Manchester United may well be missing a number of key players - the whole back line for starters - but Sir Alex Ferguson, the PFA Merit Award winner, insists he is not concerned about facing a powerful AC Milan side at such a difficult time.

"I don't have any fears about it," he said ahead of tonight's Champions League semi final clash at Old Trafford. "The mood in the camp pleases me. At this time of year you are always looking for signs of nerves and, while we have concerns about the injuries, I don't see any nerves."

He added: "In our draw against Middlesbrough on Saturday there was some anxiety and bad decision-making. But what pleased me most is that nobody was hiding, everyone wanted the ball and thats a good sign.'

United thrashed Roma 8-3 on aggregate in the quarter finals and despite Uniteds injury crisis in defence, Ferguson remains confident those players he has available who are more than up to the task that lies ahead. He said: "I look at the team available and I do not see any problems. The only problem we might have is an inadequate bench. It is difficult to think we can get the same sort of result as we did against Roma.

"But I think that sort of performance gives the players confidence so I still expect a good performance. The desire of the players to reach a high level of performance against quality opponents is there. They have not done much wrong this season.'

It's another big night for double Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo, who has again been described by Sir Alex as 'the best player in the world at the moment'. "Cristiano is fantastic, and he is still improving," warned the United boss.

Even Chelsea captain John Terry has praised Ronaldo, saying: "I would watch Manchester United just to watch Ronaldo. He does things no-one else in the world is doing at the moment. He is the best in the world. At his best not many players can stop him."

In this season's Champions League Ronaldo, who recently signed a new five-year, £31 million contract to keep him at Old Trafford until 2012, has been the most fouled player in the United squad, having been impeded 27 times, nine fewer than the next man Totti of Italy and Roma. Thanks to his brand of attacking play United, boosted by the seven goal bonanza against Roma, are the top scorers in the competition, having netted 20 times.

For Sir Alex's team there are parallels to their 1999 final success against Bayern Munich, a final they reached by beating Italian opposition in Juventus, having beaten another Italian side Inter Milan. And to add to the good luck omens the 1999 Juventus side was coached by Carlo Ancelotti, now in charge of tonight's opponents.

Tonight, Patrice Evra is only likely to be fit enough to make the bench, which could also feature the likes of Chris Eagles, Fang Zhou Dong, Kieran Lee and Michael Barnes. Ferguson added: "It is not going to be an easy but the name of the game in these situations is to win and not lose a goal. That is our plan and, if we can achieve it, it would be a massive result for us.

"All the big players are available. The only problem I have is maybe having an adequate bench, but I'm happy with the squad I've got. Obviously you miss players like Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville in big matches but the spirit is good. We should expect a very good performance with the players we have."

United beat Roma 7-1 in their last Champions League match at Old Trafford but while Ferguson says he does not expect a repeat against AC Milan, he is hopeful of a victory. "At this level, with the players we have, there is always going to be expectation," he said. "The desire of the players is to reach a higher level. The quality of the opposition and the importance of the occasion demand the best performance.

"The performance in the last round was very, very good and that must give the players confidence. But it is difficult to think we can get to that standard. That was a once-in-a-lifetime result. But, with the players we have, we should still expect a very good performance.

"They haven't done much wrong this season. The team spirit has got better because the group is getting to know each other. The important players are playing and it's good to have them." AC Milan veteran Paolo Maldini, who will be playing in his EIGHTH Champions League semi final, says Milan have no plans to assign a man to mark Ronaldo. He said: "We do not man-mark, we have a different way of marking.

"Ronaldo moves around a lot so he will be picked up by whoever is close to him. Ronaldo is fast, strong and scores goals. He is good in the air and extremely inventive. While I may not be as fast as I once was, I can still get around the pitch."

[epsilon]

Man United v AC Milan: Injuries, yes. Nerves? No. Sir Alex has faith in his squad

By Ian Clarkson 02-04-07

Manchester United may well be missing a number of key players - the whole back line for starters - but Sir Alex Ferguson, the PFA Merit Award winner, insists he is not concerned about facing a powerful AC Milan side at such a difficult time.

"I don't have any fears about it," he said ahead of tonight's Champions League semi final clash at Old Trafford. "The mood in the camp pleases me. At this time of year you are always looking for signs of nerves and, while we have concerns about the injuries, I don't see any nerves."

He added: "In our draw against Middlesbrough on Saturday there was some anxiety and bad decision-making. But what pleased me most is that nobody was hiding, everyone wanted the ball and thats a good sign.'

United thrashed Roma 8-3 on aggregate in the quarter finals and despite Uniteds injury crisis in defence, Ferguson remains confident those players he has available who are more than up to the task that lies ahead. He said: "I look at the team available and I do not see any problems. The only problem we might have is an inadequate bench. It is difficult to think we can get the same sort of result as we did against Roma.

"But I think that sort of performance gives the players confidence so I still expect a good performance. The desire of the players to reach a high level of performance against quality opponents is there. They have not done much wrong this season.'

It's another big night for double Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo, who has again been described by Sir Alex as 'the best player in the world at the moment'. "Cristiano is fantastic, and he is still improving," warned the United boss.

Even Chelsea captain John Terry has praised Ronaldo, saying: "I would watch Manchester United just to watch Ronaldo. He does things no-one else in the world is doing at the moment. He is the best in the world. At his best not many players can stop him."

In this season's Champions League Ronaldo, who recently signed a new five-year, £31 million contract to keep him at Old Trafford until 2012, has been the most fouled player in the United squad, having been impeded 27 times, nine fewer than the next man Totti of Italy and Roma. Thanks to his brand of attacking play United, boosted by the seven goal bonanza against Roma, are the top scorers in the competition, having netted 20 times.

For Sir Alex's team there are parallels to their 1999 final success against Bayern Munich, a final they reached by beating Italian opposition in Juventus, having beaten another Italian side Inter Milan. And to add to the good luck omens the 1999 Juventus side was coached by Carlo Ancelotti, now in charge of tonight's opponents.

Tonight, Patrice Evra is only likely to be fit enough to make the bench, which could also feature the likes of Chris Eagles, Fang Zhou Dong, Kieran Lee and Michael Barnes. Ferguson added: "It is not going to be an easy but the name of the game in these situations is to win and not lose a goal. That is our plan and, if we can achieve it, it would be a massive result for us.

"All the big players are available. The only problem I have is maybe having an adequate bench, but I'm happy with the squad I've got. Obviously you miss players like Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville in big matches but the spirit is good. We should expect a very good performance with the players we have."

United beat Roma 7-1 in their last Champions League match at Old Trafford but while Ferguson says he does not expect a repeat against AC Milan, he is hopeful of a victory. "At this level, with the players we have, there is always going to be expectation," he said. "The desire of the players is to reach a higher level. The quality of the opposition and the importance of the occasion demand the best performance.

"The performance in the last round was very, very good and that must give the players confidence. But it is difficult to think we can get to that standard. That was a once-in-a-lifetime result. But, with the players we have, we should still expect a very good performance.

"They haven't done much wrong this season. The team spirit has got better because the group is getting to know each other. The important players are playing and it's good to have them." AC Milan veteran Paolo Maldini, who will be playing in his EIGHTH Champions League semi final, says Milan have no plans to assign a man to mark Ronaldo. He said: "We do not man-mark, we have a different way of marking.

"Ronaldo moves around a lot so he will be picked up by whoever is close to him. Ronaldo is fast, strong and scores goals. He is good in the air and extremely inventive. While I may not be as fast as I once was, I can still get around the pitch."

[epsilon]

Man United v AC Milan: Injuries, yes. Nerves? No. Sir Alex has faith in his squad

By Ian Clarkson 02-04-07

Manchester United may well be missing a number of key players - the whole back line for starters - but Sir Alex Ferguson, the PFA Merit Award winner, insists he is not concerned about facing a powerful AC Milan side at such a difficult time.

"I don't have any fears about it," he said ahead of tonight's Champions League semi final clash at Old Trafford. "The mood in the camp pleases me. At this time of year you are always looking for signs of nerves and, while we have concerns about the injuries, I don't see any nerves."

He added: "In our draw against Middlesbrough on Saturday there was some anxiety and bad decision-making. But what pleased me most is that nobody was hiding, everyone wanted the ball and thats a good sign.'

United thrashed Roma 8-3 on aggregate in the quarter finals and despite Uniteds injury crisis in defence, Ferguson remains confident those players he has available who are more than up to the task that lies ahead. He said: "I look at the team available and I do not see any problems. The only problem we might have is an inadequate bench. It is difficult to think we can get the same sort of result as we did against Roma.

"But I think that sort of performance gives the players confidence so I still expect a good performance. The desire of the players to reach a high level of performance against quality opponents is there. They have not done much wrong this season.'

It's another big night for double Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo, who has again been described by Sir Alex as 'the best player in the world at the moment'. "Cristiano is fantastic, and he is still improving," warned the United boss.

Even Chelsea captain John Terry has praised Ronaldo, saying: "I would watch Manchester United just to watch Ronaldo. He does things no-one else in the world is doing at the moment. He is the best in the world. At his best not many players can stop him."

In this season's Champions League Ronaldo, who recently signed a new five-year, £31 million contract to keep him at Old Trafford until 2012, has been the most fouled player in the United squad, having been impeded 27 times, nine fewer than the next man Totti of Italy and Roma. Thanks to his brand of attacking play United, boosted by the seven goal bonanza against Roma, are the top scorers in the competition, having netted 20 times.

For Sir Alex's team there are parallels to their 1999 final success against Bayern Munich, a final they reached by beating Italian opposition in Juventus, having beaten another Italian side Inter Milan. And to add to the good luck omens the 1999 Juventus side was coached by Carlo Ancelotti, now in charge of tonight's opponents.

Tonight, Patrice Evra is only likely to be fit enough to make the bench, which could also feature the likes of Chris Eagles, Fang Zhou Dong, Kieran Lee and Michael Barnes. Ferguson added: "It is not going to be an easy but the name of the game in these situations is to win and not lose a goal. That is our plan and, if we can achieve it, it would be a massive result for us.

"All the big players are available. The only problem I have is maybe having an adequate bench, but I'm happy with the squad I've got. Obviously you miss players like Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville in big matches but the spirit is good. We should expect a very good performance with the players we have."

United beat Roma 7-1 in their last Champions League match at Old Trafford but while Ferguson says he does not expect a repeat against AC Milan, he is hopeful of a victory. "At this level, with the players we have, there is always going to be expectation," he said. "The desire of the players is to reach a higher level. The quality of the opposition and the importance of the occasion demand the best performance.

"The performance in the last round was very, very good and that must give the players confidence. But it is difficult to think we can get to that standard. That was a once-in-a-lifetime result. But, with the players we have, we should still expect a very good performance.

"They haven't done much wrong this season. The team spirit has got better because the group is getting to know each other. The important players are playing and it's good to have them." AC Milan veteran Paolo Maldini, who will be playing in his EIGHTH Champions League semi final, says Milan have no plans to assign a man to mark Ronaldo. He said: "We do not man-mark, we have a different way of marking.

"Ronaldo moves around a lot so he will be picked up by whoever is close to him. Ronaldo is fast, strong and scores goals. He is good in the air and extremely inventive. While I may not be as fast as I once was, I can still get around the pitch."

[epsilon]

Man United v AC Milan: Injuries, yes. Nerves? No. Sir Alex has faith in his squad

By Ian Clarkson 02-04-07

Manchester United may well be missing a number of key players - the whole back line for starters - but Sir Alex Ferguson, the PFA Merit Award winner, insists he is not concerned about facing a powerful AC Milan side at such a difficult time.

"I don't have any fears about it," he said ahead of tonight's Champions League semi final clash at Old Trafford. "The mood in the camp pleases me. At this time of year you are always looking for signs of nerves and, while we have concerns about the injuries, I don't see any nerves."

He added: "In our draw against Middlesbrough on Saturday there was some anxiety and bad decision-making. But what pleased me most is that nobody was hiding, everyone wanted the ball and thats a good sign.'

United thrashed Roma 8-3 on aggregate in the quarter finals and despite Uniteds injury crisis in defence, Ferguson remains confident those players he has available who are more than up to the task that lies ahead. He said: "I look at the team available and I do not see any problems. The only problem we might have is an inadequate bench. It is difficult to think we can get the same sort of result as we did against Roma.

"But I think that sort of performance gives the players confidence so I still expect a good performance. The desire of the players to reach a high level of performance against quality opponents is there. They have not done much wrong this season.'

It's another big night for double Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo, who has again been described by Sir Alex as 'the best player in the world at the moment'. "Cristiano is fantastic, and he is still improving," warned the United boss.

Even Chelsea captain John Terry has praised Ronaldo, saying: "I would watch Manchester United just to watch Ronaldo. He does things no-one else in the world is doing at the moment. He is the best in the world. At his best not many players can stop him."

In this season's Champions League Ronaldo, who recently signed a new five-year, £31 million contract to keep him at Old Trafford until 2012, has been the most fouled player in the United squad, having been impeded 27 times, nine fewer than the next man Totti of Italy and Roma. Thanks to his brand of attacking play United, boosted by the seven goal bonanza against Roma, are the top scorers in the competition, having netted 20 times.

For Sir Alex's team there are parallels to their 1999 final success against Bayern Munich, a final they reached by beating Italian opposition in Juventus, having beaten another Italian side Inter Milan. And to add to the good luck omens the 1999 Juventus side was coached by Carlo Ancelotti, now in charge of tonight's opponents.

Tonight, Patrice Evra is only likely to be fit enough to make the bench, which could also feature the likes of Chris Eagles, Fang Zhou Dong, Kieran Lee and Michael Barnes. Ferguson added: "It is not going to be an easy but the name of the game in these situations is to win and not lose a goal. That is our plan and, if we can achieve it, it would be a massive result for us.

"All the big players are available. The only problem I have is maybe having an adequate bench, but I'm happy with the squad I've got. Obviously you miss players like Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville in big matches but the spirit is good. We should expect a very good performance with the players we have."

United beat Roma 7-1 in their last Champions League match at Old Trafford but while Ferguson says he does not expect a repeat against AC Milan, he is hopeful of a victory. "At this level, with the players we have, there is always going to be expectation," he said. "The desire of the players is to reach a higher level. The quality of the opposition and the importance of the occasion demand the best performance.

"The performance in the last round was very, very good and that must give the players confidence. But it is difficult to think we can get to that standard. That was a once-in-a-lifetime result. But, with the players we have, we should still expect a very good performance.

"They haven't done much wrong this season. The team spirit has got better because the group is getting to know each other. The important players are playing and it's good to have them." AC Milan veteran Paolo Maldini, who will be playing in his EIGHTH Champions League semi final, says Milan have no plans to assign a man to mark Ronaldo. He said: "We do not man-mark, we have a different way of marking.

"Ronaldo moves around a lot so he will be picked up by whoever is close to him. Ronaldo is fast, strong and scores goals. He is good in the air and extremely inventive. While I may not be as fast as I once was, I can still get around the pitch."

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Cantona praise for United

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has heaped praise on his former club for the way they have helped Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo faced hostility at every turn upon his arrival back in England last summer, after he played a major part in The Three Lions' exit from the World Cup finals.

Ronaldo was blamed for getting club-mate Wayne Rooney sent-off - but the much hyped move to Spain never materialised and the Portuguese winger has gone on to have a sensational season.

Cantona likens Ronaldo's treatment to that which he went through after he was banned from the game after attacking a fan at Crystal Palace.

"Not all the fans would react as Manchester United fans reacted to the World Cup with Ronaldo - how they reacted to me when I was banned," he told Sky Sports News.

"This mentality, this philosophy, it's important for players to feel we have people behind us, who trust us, give us confidence when we need to express ourselves.

"Especially in more difficult moments, it's important for the player in that difficult moment."

Cantona insists Sir Alex Ferguson has played a huge part in Ronaldo's success this term.

"It's important for the other ones that they know that if they have a difficult moment all the fans and the manager will be behind them to help them," he added.

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PFA Fans' Player of the Year
Hat-Trick for Cristiano as he's now named PFA Fans' Player of the Year 2007

On Sunday night, Cristiano Ronaldo was crowned both Players' Player and Young Player of the Year and, as he prepares to put AC Milan to the sword tonight, the Manchester United winger has another good reason to celebrate as he has also been voted the Official PFA Fans' Player of the Year.

It has been an incredible season for the very personable Portuguese star who continues to set the football world alight with his dazzling skills and the equally-dazzling smile that was very much on view as he was suitably honoured by his fellow professionals this weekend at the PFA's Grosvenor House Hotel extravaganza.

There's still plenty of hard work for Ronaldo and his United colleagues to do as they chase another trophy treble, and Cristiano reckons the best is still to come. "Maybe its destiny to win them all because we are playing so well," he told us. "I think the best things are still to come from me too. We have three competitions to play for. We have everything to win and we have a great chance.'

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, himself an award winner on Sunday night, paid tribute to his 22-year-old jewel in the crown by saying: "Hes been fantastic. His improvement and development have been superb. He is the best player in the world. Its easy for a manager to say that but hes getting that accolade from everywhere, not just me. When that happens it is difficult for some players but he is so level-headed.'

Ronaldo has won over everyone since 'you know what' happened at the World Cup and he, and the family members who attended the Player of the Year dinner in London, has every reason to feel supremely proud. The Portuguese star added: "I put myself to the test and it succeeded. The pressures ended up strengthening me and the boos gave me even more strength. Ive matured and calmed down, and these awards have given me even more motivation to be successful."

PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor also paid tribute to our treble award winner, saying: "He is the most exciting player in the country at the moment. The quickness of his feet and the skills he possesses make you think, at times, that he's from another planet.

"This season was a big test for him, both of his temperament and his ability to rise above the abuse he received after the incident with Wayne Rooney at the World Cup, and he has passed with flying colours in every department.

"I wasn't sure, after the World Cup, if things would get back to normal at Old Trafford, but Cristiano has shown great maturity and proved himself to be a top, top player. All credit to Sir Alex for resolving what was a difficult situation. All credit to Cristiano too because he has developed from a player who perhaps used to run down too many closed avenues in his early days at United, to a wonderful entertainer whose tricks and skills are much more constructive, and productive, these days.

"He is much more of a team player now and, as is the test of all great forwards, he knows how to find the back of the net - as he has done on so many occasions this season. He has still got all the tricks and, if he was to perform them on the stage at the London Palladium, you would have to stand up and applaud. "For him to be able to perform them on a football field, at full speed with everything going on around him, makes it all the more remarkable and it is great that Sir Alex continues to encourage him to do so, whereas at some clubs he might have been told to 'keep it simple'."

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Sir Bobby: Silly Jose out of order

Sir Bobby Charlton has branded Jose Mourinho 'silly" and "senseless' for complaining there is one rule for Manchester United and another for Chelsea where penalties are concerned.

Chelsea boss Mourinho was incensed that Manchester United avoided two spot-kicks being awarded against them in the past week, while his own club had a handball appeal rejected at Newcastle on Sunday.

Both Sheffield United and Middlesbrough had what appeared strong claims for penalties waved away in their Barclays Premiership trips to Old Trafford, prompting Mourinho to say: 'It looks like there is a rule in football that it is forbidden to give a penalty against Manchester United.'

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday refused to be drawn into a war of words with his Chelsea counterpart but Old Trafford legend and club director Charlton told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It's a little bit silly really.

'Considering he's a very intelligent man, to come out with statements like that is a little bit silly.

'It's a nonsense really. We've played in so many matches this year when we've not had the decisions and they've been quite obvious really.

'But you get on with it, you move on.

'I thought it was a little bit senseless.

'It makes good copy for the media and he's obviously a marvellous coach. But sometimes, really, I think some of the statements are quite unnecessary.'

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Man City snub United switch plea

Manchester City have refused a request to move back their derby fixture against Manchester United next month.

United are scheduled to face City on Saturday 5 May at Eastlands, less than three days after the Champions League semi-final, second leg in Milan.

The Reds, who are also in the hunt for the Premiership title, asked to delay the derby game until Sunday 6 May.

However, City rejected the request and insist the game must go ahead as planned, with a 1245 (BST) kick-off.

Extra spice had been added to the Manchester derby when it appeared United would clinch the Premiership title with victory at Eastlands.

However, that scenario is now an outside prospect as United would have to beat Everton at Goodison this weekend, while Chelsea would need to lose their home game against Bolton.

That would leave Sir Alex Ferguson's side holding a six-point advantage, knowing a win over Stuart Pearce's City would effectively seal the championship.

United won this season's reverse fixture in December at Old Trafford 3-1, with goals from Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Cristiano Ronaldo.