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Leonardo buoyant ahead of United clash

ROME - AC Milan coach Leonardo was in positive spirits following his team’s 3-2 home win against Udinese, claiming it set them up perfectly for next week’s Champions League clash with Manchester United.

Milan’s win ended a run of four games without success and was secured thanks largely to a scintillating performance from Ronaldinho.

And although it came at a price, Brazilians Thaigo Silva and Mancini both left the field injured, Leonardo believes his team are in good shape.

“What makes the difference is the spirit we showed (against Udinese) which was there from the start and that’s what we want against Manchester,” he said.

“There were many positives from this game, first amongst those being the victory, a victory that wasn’t easy but was achieved.

“At times it was a difficult game to manage because we had such a desire to win that we made mistakes.

“We conceded a goal two seconds before the interval but afterwards we went 3-1 up.

“I’m happy with Klaas (Jan Huntelaar) who scored two goals, with Ronaldinho who played well, with Pato who came back from injury, played well and scored, with (Gennaro) Gattuso who has played few games but acquitted himself well.”

The two teams are no strangers having met four times in the knock-out stages of Europe’s premier competition.

Although United have won three of their four home games, they have never eliminated the Italians.

There most recent encounter was in 2007 when United edged a 3-2 thriller at Old Trafford before Milan produced a stunning display at the San Siro to win 3-0 and reach the final, which they then won, beating Liverpool.

And Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani insists that history could play a role.

“On Tuesday the stadium will be packed. Manchester are a great team but we have a favourable tradition against them,” he said.