Ferguson
unconcerned by injuries
Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is not worried by Manchester
United's lengthy injury list ahead of the Champions League first
leg against AC Milan. "All the big players are available. The only
problem I have is maybe having an adequate bench, but I'm happy
with the squad I've got," said the United boss. "Obviously you miss
players like Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville in big matches but the
spirit is good. "We should expect a very good performance with the
players we have."
As well as Ferdinand and Neville, United are without Nemanja Vidic,
Mikael Silvestre, Craig Cathcart, Louis Saha, Ji-Sung Park and
Kieran Richardson (hamstring). Patrice Evra is only likely to be
fit enough to make the bench, which could also feature the likes of
Chris Eagles, Fang Zhou Dong, Kieran Lee and Michael Barnes.
United beat Roma 7-1 in their last Champions League match at Old
Trafford, but while Ferguson says he does not expect a repeat
against AC Milan, he is hopeful of a victory. "At this level, with
the players we have, there is always going to be expectation," he
said.
"The desire of the players is to reach a higher level. The quality
of the opposition and the importance of the occasion demand the
best performance. "The performance in the last round was very, very
good and that must give the players confidence.
"They haven't done much wrong this season. The team spirit has got
better because the group is getting to know each other. "I don't
have any fears about it. I see the mood in the camp and it pleases
me. "Yes, we have concerns about one or two injuries, but the
important players are playing and it's good to have them."
AC Milan have only one injury worry, over keeper Dida, and manager
Carlo Ancelotti was able to rest his key players on Saturday. "We
arrive in perfect condition, relaxed and convinced," said
Ancelotti. "They have some problems, but in games like these
everything is solvable with great determination and
concentration."
