No Hiding Against Milan - Ferguson
United v Milan: Wed 23 Feb, KO 20:00 GMT
The stage is set: Sir Alex expects both sides to have done their scouting homework.
Sir Alex Ferguson says there can be no secret agenda against AC Milan when the two teams meet in the Champions League next week - the match is a contest of quality.
United take on the Serie A title-holders in the last 16 Europe's premier competition next Wednesday, and Ferguson says modern-day scouting techniques mean both teams will know each other inside out on the night.
Ferguson has had the Rosseneri's domestic matches video-taped and scouted since early January, and the Reds boss expects the Italians to have done the same - likening scouting at the hightest level of the game to KGB spying tactics.
"You have every game recorded on video and watched in the stands by scouts," said the United manager. Milan will have done exactly the same with us.
"I'm afraid there are no secrets in European football these days. You can't hide," he added.
"Sports science and video technology prohibits secrecy in the modern game. It's almost a KGB mentality!
"It's protocol and respect that allows it to happen and It's an open world now. Manchester United and Milan would never do anything other than act properly. We've a great relationship with Milan, we've been friendly with them for a long time.
"There are things that you do hide. The tactics on the day may vary. Milan are capable of changing tactics.
"They can play three at the back as they did in the European final. There are many things they can do."
Ferguson will be hopeful of having Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is expected to play some part against Everton on Saturday, back for the Milan match.
The Reds striker has eight goals in five games in Europe this season and could form a strike partnership with Rooney, who notched his 13th of the season against Manchester City at the weekend.
According to Ferguson, United will need all the firepower they can muster against a brick wall Rossoneri defence.
"They have a very experienced team with the likes of Maldini, Cafu, Jaap Stam, Nesta and Giuseppe Pancaro," the United boss said. "There is a lot of experience at the back; they're very good defensively."