Darren Fletcher believes the first goal will be crucial in
deciding Manchester United's Champions League destiny in three
weeks' time.
United will be nursing a 3-2 advantage when they tackle AC Milan
again at Old Trafford on March 10.
The lead would have been even greater had it not been for
Clarence Seedorf's late strike for the seven-times winners, which
at least gives them some hope of repairing the damage.
Yet even with Seedorf's effort, Milan face a pretty stiff
task.
In 53 years of European combat, United have only twice suffered
home losses - to Real Madrid in April 2000 and Deportivo La Coruna
in October 2001 - that would consign them to extra-time.
It would require new ground to be crossed completely for Milan
to win outright given the Red Devils have never been beaten by two
goals on home soil.
Fletcher is keen not to give Milan the belief they can create
history, which is why he wants the Old Trafford men to snuff out
any chance of a comeback by scoring first when the two sides do
battle again.
"The next goal is going to be crucial," he said.
"We went to win the first leg and we've done that but it is
still all to play for in the tie.
"We have seen the quality Milan have got in their side. They are
capable of creating chances and scoring goals so we will have to be
on top form to get through."
Although it could be argued United were fortunate to record
their victory given the one-sided nature of the opening period and
the luck Paul Scholes had in levelling Ronaldinho's third-minute
effort, the encounter was a far cry from their meeting with Milan
in 2005.
Already losing from the first leg, United were dispatched with
clinical efficiency by a team that went on to lose an epic final
with Liverpool in Istanbul, gaining revenge over the Merseysiders
in Athens two years later.
That was the high water-mark of a team coached by Carlo
Ancelotti.
For United it was the start of a journey that saw them triumph
in Moscow two seasons ago, reach Rome, then perform disappointingly
in the final against Barcelona last term. The team are now seeking
to make it three on the trot by getting to Madrid on May 22.
"We were maybe a bit naive when we first came here but we have
come a long way," said Fletcher.
"As players you get more mature every season and pick up more
experience. You learn how to cope with these sorts of
situations.
"We need to maintain these standards in the Champions League
though.
"It is no good resting on your laurels thinking you have made it
because there are too many other teams with so much quality."