Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Ancelotti buoyed by Rio blow

23 Apr 2007 - 11:35:45

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AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti thinks that the possible absence of Rio Ferdinand will be a major advantage to his side when the Serie A giants face Manchester United in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The Rossoneri play United in a first leg clash at Old Trafford on Tuesday before the return match at the San Siro next week.

Ferdinand limped out of Saturday's draw with Middlesbrough after suffering a recurrence of his troublesome groin injury and reports suggest he could be sidelined for two weeks.

An upbeat Ancelotti said: "If Ferdinand doesn't recover, for us, it will be a big advantage.

"But Manchester have big qualities and they will try to take advantage from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney's speed.

"They are formidable counter-attackers and, if we don't make the most of our possession, then that could create some problems for us."

Ancelotti has a doubt over goalkeeper Dida as the Brazilian is struggling with a shoulder injury, but the Milan coach added: "Dida has trained, but without forcing the situation.

"We will decide a few hours before the match."

Milan are in a rich vein of form after endurng a difficult first half to the season, and Saturday's 3-1 victory over Cagliari extended their recent run to just one defeat in their last 23 games in all competitions.