Lippi issues United warning to Milan

ITALY coach Marcello Lippi believes Manchester United will provide a stiff test for AC Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Lippi, who guided Juventus to three Champions League finals before becoming the Azzurri coach last summer, believes Alex Ferguson’s men have the quality to push the Rossoneri all the way.

“Milan have class and are very organised,” said Lippi.

“But it’s going to be very difficult because Manchester have recently recovered their conviction, their unity and security. They are finding it easy to win.”

Milan travel to Old Trafford without top scorer Andriy Shevchenko, who has undergone surgery after fracturing his cheekbone during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Cagliari.

It is as yet uncertain whether the Ukrainian will be available to play the return-leg on March 8.

Lippi has highlighted young guns Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo as the ones to watch in the tie.

“Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo will become great players,” he added.

Milan boss Ancelotti has to decide whether to play with attacking duo Jon Dahl Tomasson and Hernan Crespo or to opt for a more conservative line-up, with Crespo as the Rossoneri’s only forward.

“We have several possible solutions but I will have to consider them,” he said.

“Shevchenko is an important player for us but my only consolation is that without him we have still managed to play well.”

Milan’s recent run in Serie A has seen them overhaul Juventus at the top and the 1-0 San Siro win over Cagliari was the Rossoneri’s fourth straight success. However, the Milan coach says his side will be prepared for whatever United throw at them.

“I want my team to play to their best possible level. We are all very happy to return to play in the Champions League and this will give us great motivation. Undoubtedly possession will be crucial in this game. It’s fundamental that we don’t allow them to take control of the game.”

With Shevchenko missing, the focus will switch to the possible return of Ruud van Nistelrooy, after three months out with an Achilles injury.

The £19m Dutch star has hit 36 goals in 37 Champions League games for United and is the competition’s top scorer this season with eight. But Ancelotti is not bothered if the 28-year-old is included in United’s starting line-up.

“It means very little,” he said. “Our intention is not to adapt to their play but to play our game.”

Jaap Stam’s return to Old Trafford may only be from the bench if Ancelotti plumps for a back four with Alsessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini in the centre.

Ryan Giggs, meanwhile, is confident of being fit for United.