FERGIE: UNITED DON`T FEAR MILAN ANYMORE

FERGIE: UNITED DON`T FEAR MILAN ANYMORE
Posted 10/03/10 09:32EmailPrintSave



Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United overcame a large psychological barrier by beating AC Milan in the San Siro.


United take a 3-2 lead into the second leg of their Champions League second round against Milan on Wednesday night, which was the first time they had beaten the Italian giants on their home patch.


And Ferguson believes the win was important for reasons other than the advantage they enjoy for the return game.


"It was a big thing for us to win in Milan," said Ferguson. "It was the first time in four attempts that we'd done it.


"I was delighted with it because, historically, we were playing against one of the best European teams of all-time.


"Without doubt, it was a landmark victory for us. I can't help but think it was a really, really important win for us. It was a psychological thing going there and winning.


"European football is an ever-changing process. A few years ago the Italians were not as good as the Spaniards, but they're better now.


"There has been a little shift and the Italian teams are better this year. That's why winning in Milan was a big step forward for us.


"We were well beaten when we lost 3-0 in the second leg of the semi-finals back in 2007. But our preparation wasn't good.


"We rested players on Saturday and we're much better prepared. You can talk all you like but I back my team to produce - and they will produce."


Ferguson recognised the threat of former United man David Beckham, but admitted he was not sure how Milan would line up.


"I am finding it difficult to pick their team but I don't know whether Beckham will start," said Ferguson.


"I have not got that down in my conclusions about their team.


"He has not started a game since the first leg, so it is difficult to say what impact he will have on the game.


"But he will be there and the one thing you have to be aware of is his delivery of the ball, which is fantastic.


"That is the threat. There are a lot of threats in their team of course, but we are well aware of David's."