AC Milan v. Manchester United - Match Preview

Manchester United travel to Italy on Monday in preparation for Tuesday's vital Champions League clash with Serie A giants AC Milan.

AC's on-loan star Hernan Crespo sunk the Red Devils to triumph 1-0 a few weeks back at Old Trafford with a poaching goal that consequently cost Roy Carroll his place in-between the sticks.

With Milan having the crucial away-goal, United must score to keep their European dreams alive in an attempt to repeat 1999's heroics.

United lost ground in the race for the Premiership title on Saturday, drawing 0-0 with strugglers Crystal Palace. As the lifting the League now looks a monumental mission, Europe is United's main priority.

Sir Alex Ferguson has lofted the pressure on his younger stars such as Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo to perform and believes that they can deliver. "We have some terrific young players," he stated "This is their stage"

"It's a massive task for them. I think they should go and enjoy it and have a go at it"

Ferguson's side were in a similar sticky Champions League situation the year they went on to lit the trophy, in 1999. Juventus had claimed a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford, but the Reds bounced back with style to see them off 3-2.

The Scotsman added: "We've got to defend really well as there could be goals"

"I go back to a few years ago, the Juventus game, and the important thing is for us to score. If we score the game changes"

"It's been discussed quite a few times in the press but not necessarily by the players. It's a different team really, there are only three left from 1999. The ability is still there with the terrific squad we have"

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti welcomes back former Red Devil Jaap Stam to their defence, whilst Andriy Shevchenko is a major doubt with a cheekbone problem.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has played the past two league games against Portsmouth and Crystal Palace in a bid to get match-fit for this fixture, but has yet to find the net on his arrival.

Duo Gary Neville and Louis Saha will not travel to Italy, Ferguson confirmed, but expects his team to deal with the injuries. "Gary and Louis are out. I don't have doubts about the character of the team, it is very good. The strength of the team is very good."

ManUtdWeb Prediction: Manchester United win on Penalties - I have to say that we will get through! We certainly can despite the draw on Saturday and the absence of influential Gary Neville at the back. Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney need big games.