Soccer/Uefa Champions League: Alex Ferguson has described the task that confronts Manchester United tonight as the most difficult challenge he has encountered in his 18 and a half years at the club.
"We are up against a formidable team," he acknowledged, as his side prepared for their attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. "Given Milan's record and history, and the fact they have won the European Cup six times, this is the hardest of all the European games that we have had over the years."
AC Milan lead Serie A after a flawless February and, after Roy Carroll's goalkeeping error at Old Trafford 13 days ago, Ferguson believes his players will have to touch their most exhilarating peaks to stand any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.
"One certainty is that we cannot carry anyone," he said. "They have all got to play to their peak, but I trust them to do it. I've come that far with them, and they've come that far with me, we have to trust each other.
"It's the hardest task I have ever had, but it's not an impossible task. The key is - can we score? We have to get a goal that will change the whole complexion of the game. It's all about courage. If the players show the right courage they will have a great chance. If not, they will get bowled over - as simple as that."
With United losing ground on Chelsea at the top of the English Premiership, Ferguson is faced with the possibility of being deprived of success in the two competitions that matter most to him. "We've got an uphill fight in the league and if we don't win here we might have only the FA Cup left. That in itself should be a great motivation for us.
"Knowing these players as I do, I don't think it's a problem for them having such a big challenge ahead of them. But they need to be aware this is one of the major games of all time for them."
Ferguson is pained by the fact that anything but a remarkable victory will leave England's biggest club ruminating on their failure to win the European Cup more than twice.
"We should have won the European Cup more times than we have done. It's obvious when you look back at the record books. Sometimes we have cost ourselves by not putting chances away, sometimes we have been dreadfully unlucky and sometimes we have suffered from refereeing decisions. But the bottom line is that we should have a better record in the European Cup. We need to win this competition more than we have done."
However, a win for United in Milan is easier said than done. Scoring against accomplished defenders such as Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta and Jaap Stam will not be an easy task.
In their last five games, including the one at Old Trafford, Milan have conceded only one goal. Maldini (36) and Nesta (28) are in fantastic form.
"Our central defenders are holding up brilliantly," said their coach Carlo Ancelotti.In the first leg the pair used their experience to ensure Wayne Rooney had one of his quieter nights.
The England forward had not even been born when Maldini made his debut for Milan at the age of 16, but playing at centre half the 36-year-old proved he is still one of the best defenders around.
Nevertheless, United persisted in trying to break through the centre, but, given that they foundered against the wall put up by Maldini and Nesta, they should try a different tactic at San Siro.
Milan are playing with a diamond formation in midfield or with a 4-3-2-1 style, meaning they don't use real wingers. As a result both full backs push forward, exposing Milan to counter-attacks when they lose possession. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs are, in theory, perfect for this kind of game, but both were virtually anonymous at Old Trafford and the Portuguese winger was taken off after an hour.
But United will be able to start with Ruud van Nistelrooy this time, which will allow Rooney to drop deeper into his favoured role of linking midfield and attack, and the onus will be on Milan to try and mark him out of the game.
Guardian Service
