United target Rossoneri rearguard

By Ivan Carvalho in Milan

AC Milan will look to their formidable backline to keep them in the ascendancy when they take on fellow former European Champions Manchester United FC in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie.

Defensive encounter
Hernán Crespo's solitary goal at Old Trafford two weeks ago has left Carlo Ancelotti knowing a draw at the San Siro would be enough for his side to advance into the quarter-finals, and he expects another defensive encounter tonight. "I think Manchester United will play the same type of match as in the first leg," the Milan coach said. "But I don’t expect either team to create a lot of scoring opportunities."

'Latter stages'
Ancelotti's defensive mindset can be excused as his squad has been less than stellar going forward in recent weeks. During the team's current seven-match winning streak, Milan have relied on goals in added time to secure victory on three occasions. "We have been creating a lot of opportunities in the latter stages of games," Ancelotti explained. "That shows that even if we play with more vehemence while the opposition lose their rhythm.

'Not impossible'
Sir Alex Ferguson seems to agree with Ancelotti, insisting he wants his United side to keep strong at the back for as long as possible and rely on their own knack of scoring decisive late goals to seal their progress. "It is not the easiest task but it is not impossible," said Sir Alex. "That's the key to the game. If we can keep Milan out that gives us a great chance. Even with 20 minutes left and the score at 0-0, I would be happy."

Memories of 1999
United scored twice in the dying moments to win the Champions League final in 1999, having overturned Ancelotti's Juventus FC in the last four. After a drawn first leg, Sir Alex's side went 2-0 down early on in Turin but rallied to win the match 3-2. Despite that remarkable turnaround, the United manager insisted: "This is probably the hardest task we have had to face. At this level an away goal counts for a lot and you saw that in the faces of our players after Milan scored [in Manchester]. We hope we can do the same."

'Big boost'
Helping the situation for United this time around will be the presence of Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooij in the starting lineup. Although used as a second-half substitute in the first leg, the Dutchman is now match fit following his achilles injury. Aware of the challenge ahead, Van Nistelrooij said: "If we can get a good result from this game then it will be a big boost for our confidence.

Van Nistelrooij improving
"We have a massive task ahead of us but I feel I'm improving. I had 20 minutes against Milan two weeks ago but I've had two full games since then and all the training as well. Physically I am at my best and hopefully I can show that."

Inzaghi presence
United's leading scorer may be back in the frame, but Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko is still sidelined after suffering a broken cheekbone during a Serie A match against Cagliari Calcio in February. Should United break the deadlock at the San Siro, expect Filippo Inzaghi, back from injury against Atalanta BC at the weekend, to make another appearance from the substitutes' bench. "Inzaghi has trained very little," warned Ancelotti. "But he showed in Bergamo he can come on and get into the game."