Intro: Manchester United vs. AC Milan
Manchester United switch focus to the Europa League as they welcome AC Milan to Old Trafford on Thursday.
The two giants haven’t met competitively since 2010 and have each endured a tough decline throughout the last decade. However, now they find themselves battling each other in a European knockout round once again following promising revival seasons for both clubs. Here’s a look at Manchester United vs. AC Milan.
Match Build Up
Manchester United head into the tie off the back of ending Manchester City’s 21-match winning streak with a 2-0 derby victory to go second in the Premier League. AC Milan also won over the weekend, fighting to a 2-0 away triumph of their own at Hellas Verona.
There is even more buildup for the match, with the potential return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the Theatre of Dreams, while on-loan defender Diogo Dalot is permitted to play against his parent club.
It remains to be seen whether Ibrahimovic will be fit to face his former side. The 39-year-old picked up an adductor injury during last weekend’s win over Roma, but has made great strides in his recovery, according to coach Stefano Pioli.
United have previously played Milan 10 times in competitive fixtures, across five separate two-legged ties. Although we have only progressed from one of those knockout affairs – the last, in the equivalent stage of the Champions League in 2010 – we’ve won the same amount of games (five) as the Italians, with four of these coming at home.
Manchester United Team News
United had to watch Marcus Rashford limp off with an injury to his ankle in their win over Manchester City. It didn’t look good, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hopeful he can be fit in time for the clash with Milan.
Anthony Martial returned from a knee injury in the derby and put in a much-needed improved performance, as did defender Victor Lindelof. Edinson Cavani didn’t make the squad at the weekend, so Martial might keep his spot in the XI on Thursday.
David de Gea is still unavailable following the birth of his first child, so Dean Henderson will resume in goal. United are also likely without Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek in midfield, while Juan Mata is also recovering from an unknown issue.
Manchester United: Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Greenwood, Fernandes, James; Martial.
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