Ferguson relishes Milan challenge

Champions League draw

Sir Alex Ferguson hopes facing AC Milan in the Champions League will bring out the best in Manchester United.

"Milan have had a fantastic spell under Carlo Ancelotti and are one of the most experienced teams in Europe," he said.

"We have never played against them under my tenure and it should be a great tie.

"But if you look at our matches against Juventus in particular, we have enjoyed some of the greatest moments of all against Italian opposition."

Manchester United secretary Ken Merrett admitted the club had been handed a "really tough" draw.

Ferguson had predicted they would face the Italian giants, and Merrett added: "We sat next to them in the auditorium so I think it was fate.

"But at this stage whoever you play will be one of top teams in Europe.

"We feel we've got a good chance in thei year's competition and if we can beat Milan, who knows?"

Milan director Umberto Gandini said: "United are a great team... certainly one of the most competitive and they've won everything they could under Alex Ferguson."