Ferguson ponders Ruud awakening for Milan clash
Manchester United and AC Milan both go into this first-leg clash as form sides. But of more immediate concern to Alex Ferguson is a game which pits his third generation of Red Devils against the Rossoneri for their first competitive clash in 36 years.
The confrontation also represents a significant step up in standard for the Old Trafford babes, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
At just 19 and 20, the two Rs should have at least a decade in which to try to emulate United's 1999 Champions League-winning side but Ferguson is much more inclined that they seize the day.
"Tomorrow may never come," the United boss mused. "We have an opportunity to win this cup this year, no question about that. We have been equipped to win the tournament for quite a few years now, but this year we are particularly capable of doing it.
"With the maturity we see every week in Ronaldo and Rooney, the return of Ruud van Nistelrooy and the form of Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, we must have a fantastic chance.
"AC Milan represent a big hurdle, for us, but they will be thinking exactly the same. What we need is a high performance level and a little bit of luck. Hopefully we will get both of them."
First, Ferguson has to make a decision about whether Ruud Van Nistelrooy should be pitched back into action after three months out with an Achilles injury.
Normal football logic would suggest that a match of tonight's magnitude would be too great a challenge for a man returning from the injury wilderness but the Dutchman's staggering record of 36 goals in 37 European appearances for United may prove persuasive.
"Ruud is the best striker in Europe," said Ferguson. "His record since joining Manchester United is incredible. He is a big game player, so that is not a fear. What I have to judge is whether he will struggle with the early pace after being out for so long. His ability puts him in with a big shout but it is a major decision."
While United ponder the return of one of the game's best strikers, Milan will rue the absence of another, European Footballer Of The Year Andriy Shevchenko having sustained a fractured cheekbone on Saturday.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to cover the key absence of Shevchenko by pushing Brazilian playmaker Kaka into a more advanced role behind Hernan Crespo, a move that will see Serginho brought into the visitors' starting line-up.
Crespo, showing much better form since his unhappy spell at Chelsea, will ensure Milan will not lack a goal threat, even if one would expect the main story of the game to be that of United's attacking flair coming up against the vast defensive expertise of the likes of Maldini and Nesta.
Ferguson though believes a capacity crowd could be pleasantly surprised with the excitement on offer.
"I am pretty sure Milan will try to win the game and they certainly know we are going to attack them, so it could be more open than many people think."
Rooney admitted the prospect of tackling Europe's finest was one of the major factors behind his switch from Everton to Old Trafford.
"These are massive games. No disrespect to Everton, but you are not going to be taking part in these sorts of games playing there. This is why you want to move to a club like United."
"As soon as I knew we were playing Milan, I got excited, especially about the game at the San Siro. I have never been there but it's one of those places you just want to play at hopefully I will make my mark there."
Rooney certainly made his mark on Fenerbahce, scoring a sensational hat-trick against the hapless Turks on his Red Devils debut in September.
"If we can get past Milan, we have a great chance," he said.
"Looking at the draw, it is anyone's trophy but we have every chance. Hopefully, we can get to that final in Turkey and bring the cup back to Manchester."
AC Milan defender Jaap Stam returns to Old Trafford after three years away and insisted United know they made a mistake selling him.
"Manchester United know they made a mistake in selling me," Stam said. "There have been opportunities to confront them but I have turned them down. What would be the point? I know I made a mistake and they do too.
"I was very settled.
"I had even just ordered a new kitchen, but if a club wants to sell you, there's nothing you can do. You can be sold like cattle.
"In what other industry can a good employee be ushered out of the door against their wishes."
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