Ronaldinho warns United: 'Beware the aura of Milan'
Published 23:00 08/03/10 By David Anderson
Ronaldinho has warned Manchester United to beware the aura of the AC Milan shirt.
The striker claims he found playing against the seven-time Champions League winners with Barcelona intimidating because of their glorious European history.
And the Brazilian star says the Italians can draw on their past heroics to record a famous victory at Old Trafford.
"Milan have a strong tradition in the Champions League, so when Milan play in a competition like this everybody knows that Milan will be Milan," he said.
"When I played for Barcelona we met them in the Champions League, so I know what it's like to see the Milan shirt as an opponent. We knew they were a team with history and now I'm wearing the shirt I can feel Milan's strength."
Despite their 3-2 advantage from the first leg, United will be wary of Milan's away form. Leonardo's men are unbeaten on their travels in Europe this season, having won at Marseille and Real Madrid.
The Rossoneri have also never been knocked out of Europe by United in the 52 years they have competed against each other.
Ronaldinho, 29, says Milan will attack United and is predicting another open spectacle to match the first leg three weeks ago.
"It will be a very difficult match, but nothing is impossible," he said. "I think it's going to be a very beautiful match.
"We need a positive result so we'll be playing for the victory. They'll be playing at home with their own style because their coach always makes them play that way and so it has all the ingredients needed to be a great match."
Ronaldinho was outstanding in the San Siro and he says he has relished the extra playmaking responsibility he has been given since Kaka left in the summer.
The former Barcelona star is showing the form which won him the Ballon D'Or in 2005 and he has nine goals and 15 assists in Serie A.
"To tell you the truth, I've been planning to have a year like this," he said. "I was working hard and thinking about this in pre-season so I'm very happy to be putting the dream into practice."
