Manchester United v. AC Milan - Match Preview

The Champions League will emerge out of winter hibernation with a bang this week as the crème de la crème of European football clash to fight for their future in football's biggest club competition.

The Red Devils landed themselves an incredibly tough tie with Italian giants AC Milan

United are blessed with the news that Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy is fit and available again after three months on the sidelines with injury, whilst Milan are devastated with the news that striker Andriy Shevchenko fractured a cheekbone in their league clash with Cagliari on the weekend. Midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo is a doubt for the clash.

Wayne Rooney is expected to lead the firing line with van Nistelrooy even though Louis Saha and Alan Smith are both fit.

However, even though all strikers are injury-free, Sir Alex Ferguson admits he has a selection problem following van Nistelrooy's return. "It’s a big decision I have got to take. Hopefully I get it right. I have to decide whether he is sharp enough after three months out. His ability in games like this make him a big shout."

"His record is fantastic," added the Scotsman "He is the best in Europe. His record is incredible ever since he joined Manchester United. He is a big game player. I have no fears about him, but there is just a question mark with him having been out for three months. The pace of the game early on may mean it is better to have him as substitute. So that is a decision I have to take."

Welsh winger Ryan Giggs is expected to start again after missing the past few games. Giggs revealed he wasn't going to risk injuring himself further for this game. "I felt the injury against Birmingham," Giggs exposed "Being substitute against City and Everton has given me a chance to mix training with a bit of rest."

United were dumped out of the competition this time last year by Jose Mourinho's Porto side, who went on to claim the trophy, but with chances of chasing Chelsea in the league looking fairly tough, this competition is probably Ferguson's main objective.

However, Carlo Ancelotti's side are not to be messed with and currently lead a technically-demanding Serie A.

Speaking on the Red Devils' weaknesses, Ancelotti said: "Their defence struggle if they are attacked quickly, moreover it is essential not to let them set the pace of the game, this way they can just run in vain."

ManUtdWeb Prediction: Manchester United 2 - 0 AC Milan - Ferguson has been planning this game carefully for months now, and with the boost of van Nistelrooy, I'm backing United to win this one.