Manchester United have never beaten AC Milan in the knockout stages of the European Cup, yet Sir Alex Ferguson is in an unusually confident mood ahead of their Champions League second round tie at the San Siro tomorrow.
The English club were defeated over two legs in each of their four encounters in the competition - in 1958, 1969, 2005 and 2007.
But, the United manager thinks Milan are a different proposition since the departure of Kaka.
The Brazilian moved to Real Madrid last summer, joining Cristiano Ronaldo, the former United forward, at the Bernabeu. United lost 3-0 in their last contest with the Rossoneri at the San Siro as Kaka inspired the hosts to a semi-final win in 2007 and Ferguson is happy not to be facing the Brazil playmaker.
"It's a good time for us to be going to Milan," said Ferguson
"They played this weekend [beating Udinese 3-2 on Friday night], they've lost Kaka and have a few injuries, whereas we did not play this weekend and we have had a good rest."
Leonardo's side have been forced to adapt tactically after Kaka's move to Spain, according to Ferguson. He said: "They have changed since they lost Kaka.
"They used Kaka at the head of a diamond and two front players but they have changed that and gone 4-3-3 with two wide players and three central midfield players.
"You have to recognise they are not short of skill and experience. Ronaldinho, Pato all these players, but equally we have players who can win the match too. After the experience in the San Siro three years ago, where they dominated the game, I know that won't happen again."
Pato is outlined by Ferguson as the biggest threat to United in the first-leg contest, which may see David Beckham face his old club.
"It's Pato they are desperate to get back in," said Ferguson. "If he's not back they'll play David wide right. We know all about David, he's a great crosser of the ball so we will have to be alive to that."
Ferguson, whose side have won four of their last five games, scoring 16 goals, is confident United can cope with the absence of Ryan Giggs, who suffered a broken arm against Aston Villa last Wednesday.
"My players are used to big occasions and I think the good thing for us now is that we have hit form at just the right time," added the United manager.
* With agencies
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Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
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Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
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What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
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Tips for used car buyers
- Choose cars with GCC specifications
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Tarek Kabrit, chief executive of Seez, and Imad Hammad, chief executive and co-founder of CarSwitch.com
Champions parade (UAE timings)
7pm Gates open
8pm Deansgate stage showing starts
9pm Parade starts at Manchester Cathedral
9.45pm Parade ends at Peter Street
10pm City players on stage
11pm event ends
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Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
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6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah Group Two (PA) US$55,000 (Dirt) 1,600m; Winner: Rasi, Harry Bentley (jockey), Sulaiman Al Ghunaimi (trainer).
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8.15pm: Balanchine Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m; Winner: Magic Lily, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: Waady, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
9.25pm: Firebreak Stakes Group Three (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
10pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m; Winner: Eynhallow, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.
'Panga'
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Starring Kangana Ranaut, Richa Chadha, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Neena Gupta
Rating: 3.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Huesca 0
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Bale 8'
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
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Match info
Deccan Gladiators 87-8
Asif Khan 25, Dwayne Bravo 2-16
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Chadwick Walton 51 not out
Arabians won the final by eight wickets
Results
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