Ferguson ponders striking dilemma

The fitness of two of the world's top strikers dominated the thoughts of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson before the Champions League first knockout round match against Milan today.

Ferguson may name fit-again Ruud van Nistelrooy in his starting line-up against an Italian side who will be without European Footballer of the Year Andriy Shevchenko.

"It's a tough decision as I have to judge whether Ruud is sharp enough after three months out," Ferguson told a news conference yesterday. "He's the best in Europe, his record tells you that and he's a big-game player."

The Dutchman has scored 36 goals in 37 Champions League games for United, including eight in five matches in this season's group phase.

Ferguson now has the luxury of selecting from four fit forwards because England's Alan Smith and Frenchman Louis Saha have also recovered from injuries.

"There's no doubt that having all four of them fit is a big bonus," Ferguson said. "We have handled it well with Wayne Rooney as our only striker recently but I now have far bigger options."

Ferguson is an admirer of Shevchenko but does not believe the Ukrainian's absence will affect Milan too much.

"It is a loss for them but it could be worse for them if they didn't have so much quality to bring in," he said.

"With the squad they have, the likes of Rui Costa, Serginho and (Jon Dahl) Tomasson can cover."

United have played Milan twice in Europe's top club competition, losing both times in the semi-finals, but not in Ferguson's 18-year reign at Old Trafford. The Scotsman is relishing the tie.

"I think Milan will try and win the match and it could be a more open game than people think," he said. "Milan have great experience as defenders but they will try to attack us."

United defender Rio Ferdinand thinks his side are in a groove of form similar to when they came from behind to win the Premier League title in 2003. United have won eight of their last nine games.

"The team spirit we have is phenomenal and we are in a great run of form," he said. "It took us a while to get the consistency we wanted but I think we are there now."