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GO GET EM ROARS FERGIE
from BILL THORNTON in Milan

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL SECOND LEG:AC MILAN v MAN UTD

SIR ALEX FERGUSON last night called on his players to live the dream on the eve of the Champions League semi-final shoot-out with AC Milan.

United go into the daunting atmosphere of the world-famous San Siro Stadium tonight with a slender 3-2 lead.

It is reminiscent of the situation eight years ago when, inspired by former skipper Roy Keane, United came back from 2-0 down against Juventus to win 3-2 in one of the great European displays.

"It's going to take a performance full of the same sort of courage we showed then, " said the United boss.

"In that game, our hand was forced, of course, when we lost the two early goals.

"It was hell or bust. We went for it - and, tomorrow, we will definitely be having another go."

Then, it was Keane, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole who scored the goals that swept United into the final.

Now Ferguson is looking to the terrific talent of youngsters like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo to complement the experience and know-how of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, the only survivors of that dramatic match in Turin.

"Milan must be favourites to score, so the safety net for us is to score, too, " said a bullish Ferguson.

"I don't think that sitting on the edge of our own box will do me any good, my team any good or the fans any good. The point is: we will do it our way.

"Our attacking play has been good and we always have a good chance of scoring.

"This is a big test in a big stadium but my players have good character and a terrific will to win.

"I know I have a team full of confidence; one that will run to the last minute and have a go."

The United boss fooled no-one when he said: "All of my dreams have been fulfilled but the players have to have their dream.

"Every professional, particularly those who join this club, dreams of going to a European Cup final.

"All of my players, lads like Darren Fletcher, Rooney and Ronaldo, all want to be involved in these games.

"I hope we can do it because, from this club's perspective, we have not won enough trophies in Europe."

In 1999, Ferguson urged his players to win for Keane, the hero of Turin who was suspended for the final, along with midfielder Scholes.

Keane, who left the club 18 months ago, never made it to a Euro final.

Scholes, at 32, may be looking at his last chance - and, agonisingly, he is again a booking away from a ban.

"I think Paul deserves to get to the final, " said Ferguson. "We all pray and hope for that.

"I think he deserves his place in Athens because of his form this season. As long as he doesn't slide in I think he will be okay.

Talisman Ronaldo and Gabriel Heinze, are also on yellow cards and walking a tightrope.

Ferguson claimed Milan are not the type of team to try to exploit the situation, particularly with Ronaldo, 22.

"It is a delicate subject. I think it is a tragedy to miss a final under these circumstances.

"But I don't think Milan will do anything to try to get these players booked.

"What would be the point? We don't meet each other after this.

"There was no evidence of players trying to wind up the referee at Old Trafford."

Ferguson will decide today whether to play his favoured centre-back pairing of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, who have not played together for eight matches.

Vidic was given the allclear on Monday after a scan on the collarbone he broke on March 31.

Ferdinand has been struggling with a groin strain.