• Premier League

United warned off El Shaarawy

Stephan El Shaarawy is enjoying life at AC Milan © PA Photos

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AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani has warned Manchester United that any pursuit of Stephan El Shaarawy will end in frustration.

El Shaarawy, 19, has exploded onto the Serie A scene this season, scoring four goals in six league games, and providing a rare bright spot for Milan, who are languishing in mid-table.

The Italian media has claimed Sir Alex Ferguson is paying close attention to the Italy Under-21 international's progress, but Galliani insists there is no chance of him leaving.

He told Sky Italia: "El Shaarawy is an investment for this club and we are very happy with him. Manchester United have fallen in love with him? Our policy is to focus on youngsters and he won't be moving from here."

Galliani also backed Massimiliano Allegri to turn the club's fortunes around, despite a disappointing draw with Parma leaving Milan 11th in Serie A and a distant nine points behind league leaders Juventus.

"Allegri has the faith of the club," he said. "It is clear that all coaches are at risk when they continue to lose, but that isn't Allegri's case. We are convinced that results can only improve."

Zenit St Petersburg's Italian defender Domenico Criscito, who is preparing to line up against the Rossoneri in the Champions League, has also backed Milan's form to improve and rubbished speculation linking the Russian club's coach, Luciano Spalletti, with a switch to the San Siro.

He told Sky: "Milan are much improved in recent times, but we must take advantage of the few opportunities that Milan will give us. They have gone through a bad time recently, but they will make it difficult. We are playing well, and we hope to win the game. Milan, though, have many good players and we will have to remain alert and focused.

"I don't think Spalletti will succeed Allegri - I know that the coach is very happy in St Petersburg and has only just signed a three-year contract."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.