The Hindu : Sport / Football : Man U holds a slender advantage

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Wednesday, May 02, 2007
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Man U holds a slender advantage

Milan: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has called on his players for one more huge effort as they take a 3-2 lead to AC Milan for the second leg of their Champions League semifinal on Wednesday.

Wayne Rooney's injury-time winner at Old Trafford has given United a great chance to reach the final for the third time in its history, but Ferguson knows it could take a performance similar to the one it produced in 1999 when it came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in Juventus on the way to the final.

"What we have got to do is crossing the line like we did against Juventus in 1999, when we needed to go there and get a result," he said. "Milan have got a richer European history, but we have got a great history also. I think it could be any score, I really do."

Veterans Paolo Maldini and Filippo Inzaghi are expected to be in AC Milan's side to lead the Italians' charge at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium. Defender Maldini, 38, has been battling a nagging pain in his knee, but appears ready to help Milan secure its 11th final and keep a seventh continental trophy in its sights.

Inzaghi, 33, is set to take Alberto Gilardino's place up front, with Brazil's star Kaka and Dutchman Clarence Seedorf to support him.

"There is more pressure in the Champions League than in the domestic league and Gilardino is not experienced enough to handle it yet. Inzaghi is in good shape and there is a good chance he could play on Wednesday," said coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"The will to field Maldini and Inzaghi is born from the simple thought that games like this are not only a matter of fitness, but also of character."

Ferguson positive

Ferguson admitted that Milan would be dangerous but said he believed his side would create chances on the counter-attack.

"We have to step up a gear," he said. "There's a chance that we will concede over there, so we have to score. And we will be going over there with an attitude to score." — DPA

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