Source: Daily_Mail
Man United boss Sir Alex welcomes break ahead of crunch AC Milan clash
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits his side can make the most of a free weekend ahead of next week's last 16 Champions League tie against AC Milan. [LNB]Last season's European finalists face a difficult midweek trip to the San Siro but the Scot is confident that his players will be fresh for their visit to Italy - and it's all thanks to their third round FA Cup exit at the hands of League One Leeds.[LNB]After Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Aston Villa with just 10 men, after Nani was given his marching orders, the Old Trafford chief has granted his squad two days off before beginning preparations for Tuesday's first leg clash on Saturday.[LNB] Lights out: Sir Alex Ferguson has granted his players two days off until Saturday[LNB]'In terms of preparing for a European tie we are pleased to have the weekend off,' Ferguson told MUTV.[LNB]'We're going to take full advantage of that - the players will have acouple of days off which they deserve and then we'll start working onSaturday.'[LNB]Welcome break: Fletcher hopes United will be fresh for their trip to the San Siro when they meet AC Milan[LNB]Despite concerns over Ryan Giggs, who is having an X-ray on his injured arm sustained during a challenge with Steve Sidwell at Villa Park, Ferguson is set to welcome back England captain Rio Ferdinand who is not suspended in Europe.[LNB]Midfielder Darren Fletcher echoed his manager, believing a weekend could not have been better timed and that he hopes it will ignite their European challenge.[LNB]'We'd like to still be in the FA Cup but after playing themajority of the Villa game with ten men this weekend will be a welcomebreak,' said the Scotland midfielder.'If we had to play at the weekend and then play AC Milan it would havebeen tough - but we've got the squad to deal with that and the managerwould have made changes.'Nevertheless, it's a nice break and the lads will be delighted to get a rest before a massive game against Milan.'[LNB] Giggs awaits X-ray results over fears star broke his arm in draw at Aston VillaIt's all in the delivery: Fletcher claims Man United deserve own-goal recordThe story behind the Manchester United protests: Good old days that unite army of fansMANCHESTER UNITED FC
