Sir Alex Ferguson believes his United side may need to produce its best away performance in Europe this season if the Reds are to reach the Champions League final.

United are 3-2 up against AC Milan after the first leg at Old Trafford. But, with two away goals in their favour and a formidable reputation at the San Siro, the tie is relatively evenly poised.

United have lost to Copenhagen, Celtic and AS Roma on the road in the competition this season and even the narrow 1-0 victories over Benfica and Lille will have to be improved upon, according to the United boss.

“We have to step up a gear,” urged Sir Alex.

“There’s a chance that we will concede over there, so we have to score. And we will be going over there with an attitude to score.”

A draw would do for the Reds, but aiming for a draw is a dangerous standpoint to take, especially with the quality of opponents now a notch higher.

“Away from home, against Benfica and Lille, we have picked up 1-0 results without being brilliant. But we need to really play well in Milan and have a goal threat about us.”

Defeat in Milan two years ago ended United’s hopes of European glory. But with a team whose maturation has been remarkable since 2005, Sir Alex knows full well that this is a test of just how far the Reds have come.