The Red Devils - Champions League finalists in each of the last two years - face the San Siro side for the first time since the 2007 semi-final, when Carlo Ancelotti's side outclassed United in a 3-0 second-leg success, having been beaten by an injury-time Wayne Rooney goal at Old Trafford.
But Ferguson is confident that there is no chance of a similar scoreline in Tuesday's encounter, and says United are feeling refreshed having had last weekend off following their early elimination from the FA Cup.
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"It's a good time for us to be going to Milan," he said.
"They played this weekend [against Udinese on Friday] whereas we have had a good rest."
And the Scot believes the loss of Brazilian playmaker Kaka to Real Madrid has had a detrimental effect on the Rossoneri's fortunes.
"They have changed since they lost Kaka. They used Kaka at the head of a diamond and two front players, but they have changed that and gone 4-3-3 with two wide players and three centre-midfield players.
"You have to recognise they are not short of skill and experience. Ronaldinho, Pato all these players, but equally we have players who can win the match too.
"After the experience in the San Siro three years ago, where they dominated the game, I know that won't happen again."
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