AC Milan v Manchester United

Irishcrx

Going to be a tough one IMO,I still remember the hammering we took at the San Siro in 2008 and I believe they still have a strong team, Pato can turn a game, he is great on and off the ball and has great pace, Beckham from deadballs although I do believe we can get at their midfield on the break, Ronaldinho and Huntlaar in the air.

Can see us going with 5 in midfield tonight and playing Rooney as lone striker, Nani and Park wide, Valencia will show later. I think Fletch will need to close out their play in the middle and build the breaks, overall can see a score draw tonight which I think SAF will aim for and then take the win at Old Trafford.

Peyton Manning

I can see Ferguson going with Valencia over Nani. Antonini is relatively unproven, especially the defensive aspects of his game, not too disimilar to Insua at Liverpool, and Valencia played in that game. Granted, Nani is in much better form now than he was then, but I suspect Ferguson has little patience when it comes to Nani, and he sounded mighty pissed off about his red card at Villa.

Paul Tergat

wow, lot of confidence for tonight

Nalz

i think United will go through, whether they'll win tonight is another story though. Will be interesting to see what games Pato, Ronaldinho and Nani will have. All in the news for being in and out of form

Quandary

Milan havent kept a clean sheet in the Champs League at home or away all season and will struggle to contain Rooney i think.

On the Milan side however, Ronaldinho has been hitting his old magical form again and on his night is pretty unplayable imo.Whoever said he's past his peak? Fair enough he lost his way for a year or 2 but he's still only 29 afaik & Milan are reknowned for getting the best out of ageing players.

I expect a tight game with low scoring.Id be surprised if Utd lose tonight but if Milan win i doubt it will be by more than the odd goal.

I'd be delighted with a United win but id take a 1-1 draw in a heart beat.Really looking forward to this match

rossie1977

Bubs101 wrote: »

I also think that people have gotten used to the idea that Serie A is really far behind La Liga and the Premiership when talking about the two Milan ties but the standard in the premiership has declined so much this season and Fiorentina already spanked Liverpool. The ties will be more competetive than people think

that was during a run that saw liverpool lose 6 games out of 7 played, remember fulham beat them just as much around the same time, it was liverpools worst run of form for about 700 years according to the tabloids

if liverpool were playing anyways decent they would have wiped the floor with fiorentina who are average at best

utd to win this easily, i saw ac play live in person in october, very unimpressed, defensively they are all over the place

stooge

I dont think Milan are the same team as a few years ago. Then again I dont think Utd are as good as last year. The same tie last year I would have been very confident of utd going through.

Im predicting 1-0 Milan tonight and a 1-1/2-1(utd) in Old Trafford to see Milan spring a surprise and go through.

Pato to score tonight.

flahavaj

Surprised at the resounding confidence amongst United fans in here. United struggle most aganst teams that pass teh ball well and keep a hold of it for prolonged periods, something this Milan side, with clever players such as Pirlo, Seedorf, Ronaldinho etc can do all night. Don't have a good feeling about this. I fear Carrick may be found out again and not at all confident in Nani's ability to keep the head in the cauldron of the San Siro. Also Rio is always dodgy when he hasnt had games. People here are writing off Milan way too easily.

Headshot

flahavaj wrote: »

Surprised at the resounding confidence amongst United fans in here. United struggle most aganst teams that pass teh ball well and keep a hold of it for prolonged periods, something this Milan side, with clever players such as Pirlo, Seedorf, Ronaldinho etc can do all night. Don't have a good feeling about this. I fear Carrick may be found out again and not at all confident in Nani's ability to keep the head in the cauldron of the San Siro. Also Rio is always dodgy when he hasnt had games. People here are writing off Milan way too easily.

if we play the way we did against Arsenal ie high tempo game we should win it

that's the way inter destroyed AC Milan

Mitch Connor

flahavaj wrote: »

Surprised at the resounding confidence amongst United fans in here. United struggle most aganst teams that pass teh ball well and keep a hold of it for prolonged periods, something this Milan side, with clever players such as Pirlo, Seedorf, Ronaldinho etc can do all night. Don't have a good feeling about this. I fear Carrick may be found out again and not at all confident in Nani's ability to keep the head in the cauldron of the San Siro. Also Rio is always dodgy when he hasnt had games. People here are writing off Milan way too easily.

considering we have got to two consecutive CL finals and won the league 3 times, which possession sides have we struggled against? Arsenal are probably the biggest possession side in England and we have dealt with them more often than not over the last couple of seasons.

Barcelona dominated us in the CL final last year but we contained them defensively in both legs of the semi the year before.

What sides have shown United to be weak in this regard?

As for Carrick, he has generally excelled in games vs Italian (inter and roma games) so i don't think he has anything to fear tonight to be honest.

Rio ALWAYS dodgy when he hasn't had games? Came into the starting line up vs City on the back of no real game time and was fine. His longest spell out was 8 months and he came back vs Liverpool and schooled the liverpool attack that night.

Also, I don't see this show of over-confidence that you do - most people think United could nick it or get a draw. whats the problem with that?

I don't think it will be an easy game for United, not at all, but I do think United have what it takes to get a result vs Milan. A lot has changed since Milan whipped us at the San Siro. United are a far more mentally tough and tactically aware side than they were.

carlop

rossie1977 wrote: »

that was during a run that saw liverpool lose 6 games out of 7 played, remember fulham beat them just as much around the same time, it was liverpools worst run of form for about 700 years according to the tabloids

if liverpool were playing anyways decent they would have wiped the floor with fiorentina who are average at best

utd to win this easily, i saw ac play live in person in october, very unimpressed, defensively they are all over the place

This kind of comment sums up the typical arrogance/ignorance of many premiership fans on this board.

You really think Liverpool just need to play 'anyway decent' to go away from home to Florence and 'wipe the floor' with Fiorentina? Maybe they could go to Florence, soak up loads of pressure an get a goal via Dirk Kuyt's right bum cheek, but they would not 'wipe the floor' with them.

I'm a United fan and I expect us to go through over the two legs, but it won't be easy. Indeed there maybe Milan fans posting on boards.it that if Milan play anyway decent they'll wipe the floor with us, given that they did so not that long ago.

flahavaj

Mitch Connor wrote: »

considering we have got to two consecutive CL finals and won the league 3 times, which possession sides have we struggled against? Arsenal are probably the biggest possession side in England and we have dealt with them more often than not over the last couple of seasons.

Barcelona dominated us in the CL final last year but we contained them defensively in both legs of the semi the year before.

What sides have shown United to be weak in this regard?

As for Carrick, he has generally excelled in games vs Italian (inter and roma games) so i don't think he has anything to fear tonight to be honest.

Rio ALWAYS dodgy when he hasn't had games? Came into the starting line up vs City on the back of no real game time and was fine. His longest spell out was 8 months and he came back vs Liverpool and schooled the liverpool attack that night.

Also, I don't see this show of over-confidence that you do - most people think United could nick it or get a draw. whats the problem with that?

I don't think it will be an easy game for United, not at all, but I do think United have what it takes to get a result vs Milan. A lot has changed since Milan whipped us at the San Siro. United are a far more mentally tough and tactically aware side than they were.

We shall see. I hope I'm wrong obviously.

JP Liz V1

I'd be happy with a win or draw for United

Is this the first time Beckham has played against United since he left i cant remember if he did with Real Madrid?

steps_3314

Headshot wrote: »

if we play the way we did against Arsenal ie high tempo game we should win it

that's the way inter destroyed AC Milan

Thats a bit obvious Headshot. Not wanting to sound smart.

If utd play like they did against Arsenal they will beat any team.

Going to go for a 1-1 draw with Rooney scoring a late equaliser

Headshot

steps_3314 wrote: »

Thats a bit obvious Headshot. Not wanting to sound smart.

If utd play like they did against Arsenal they will beat any team.

Going to go for a 1-1 draw with Rooney scoring a late equaliser

beat any team ?

I wish..

flahavaj

flahavaj wrote: »

Surprised at the resounding confidence amongst United fans in here. United struggle most aganst teams that pass teh ball well and keep a hold of it for prolonged periods, something this Milan side, with clever players such as Pirlo, Seedorf, Ronaldinho etc can do all night. Don't have a good feeling about this. I fear Carrick may be found out again and not at all confident in Nani's ability to keep the head in the cauldron of the San Siro. Also Rio is always dodgy when he hasnt had games. People here are writing off Milan way too easily.

Good post.

I expect united to have a very tough match tonight.

Milan in the European cup are a very different outfit and I'd be very suprised if united get more than a point.

Mitch Connor

rarnes1 wrote: »

Good post.

I expect united to have a very tough match tonight.

Milan in the European cup are a very different outfit and I'd be very suprised if united get more than a point.

they're as inconsistent in europe as they are domestically. Sure, got good results vs Madrid.

Lost at home to Zurich and drew with Marsaille.

dubmick

JP Liz V1 wrote: »

Is this the first time Beckham has played against United since he left i cant remember if he did with Real Madrid?

Yeah it is, he didn't play against United with Real.

rarnes1 wrote: »

Good post.

I expect united to have a very tough match tonight.

Milan in the European cup are a very different outfit and I'd be very suprised if united get more than a point.

a point?

It's going to be tough tonight but I am confident enough.

enviro

rarnes1 wrote: »

I'd be very suprised if united get more than a point.

Knockout phase now:p

Mitch Connor

Seaneh wrote: »

The fact that UTD are terrible at defending set pieces and Milan are extremely good at attacking them?

United have conceded amongst the lowest amount of goals from set pieces in the league this season. How the hell are we terrible at it? We suck at attacking them, but defending them we are as good as any body.

Mr. Presentable

Mitch Connor wrote: »

they're as inconsistent in europe as they are domestically. Sure, got good results vs Madrid.

Lost at home to Zurich and drew with Marsaille.

All even so. Man U lost at home to Besiktas and drew at CSKA

Mitch Connor

nipplenuts wrote: »

All even so. Man U lost at home to Besiktas and drew at CSKA

indeed - Fergie was lax in his team selections those nights, but i'm not claiming United are a different beast in Europe and that it the best Milan could hope for is a draw.

rossie1977

carlop wrote: »

This kind of comment sums up the typical arrogance/ignorance of many premiership fans on this board.

You really think Liverpool just need to play 'anyway decent' to go away from home to Florence and 'wipe the floor' with Fiorentina? Maybe they could go to Florence, soak up loads of pressure an get a goal via Dirk Kuyt's right bum cheek, but they would not 'wipe the floor' with them.

yeah excuse me for forgetting that fiorentina are world-beaters and assuming because liverpool have won at stamford bridge, camp nou, the san siro, old trafford and the bernabeu (all within the last 2 years) that they would have little chance, playing anyways close to form of beating a mid-table italian team

Nemanja91

Not sure about the scoreline but I imagine it will be a draw.

Bubs101

Mitch Connor wrote: »

they're as inconsistent in europe as they are domestically. Sure, got good results vs Madrid.

Lost at home to Zurich and drew with Marsaille.

They weren't inconsistent then, they were awful at home and in the Champion's League. They had a shocking start to the season but have really picked up and before the Inter match were pretty much unstoppable

Holsten

Milan to win.

Hopefully Beckham with a nice auld free kick.

Johner

Even if United lose by a goal tonight they should be too strong for Milan at Old Trafford imo and win by at least a couple.

antod

Facts ahead of Milan and Manchester United's first-leg Champions League last 16 tie at the San Siro.
Milan's English midfielder David Beckham reacts during his team's Italian Serie A football match against Livorno on January 31, 2010 at San Siro Stadium in Milan - 0
More Stories

* Milan v Manchester United

Milan have beaten Manchester United in three of their four Champions League meetings, all since 2005.

The Red Devils have failed to score on all four trips to the San Siro to face Milan in Europe, losing each time.

On the four occasions that the Rossoneri have met United in Europe, they have eliminated them from the competition.

United have played in Italy 12 times in the Champions League, winning on the three occasions when they have scored more than once, but failing to win in the nine others.

Milan are without a win in four games at home in the Champions League, scoring just two goals in the process.

United have won five of their last six matches away from home in Europe, losing only to Barcelona in last year's final.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo (six) has scored more goals than Michael Owen in this season's tournament (four).

Wayne Rooney has scored eight goals in his last seven appearances in all competitions, though is yet to score in three appearances in the Champions League this season.

carlop

rossie1977 wrote: »

yeah excuse me for forgetting that fiorentina are world-beaters and assuming because liverpool have won at stamford bridge, camp nou, the san siro, old trafford and the bernabeu (all within the last 2 years) that they would have little chance, playing anyways close to form of beating a mid-table italian team

I don't want to keep going off-topic here but you said 'wipe the floor' with them, I accept Liverpool could win away to Fiorentina, I disputed that they would wipe the floor with them.

Also, though they're currently in mid-table, they have finished fourth the last two seasons running, so they're not really a mid-table side.

Headshot

according to goal (yes i know)

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2010/02/16/1793577/breaking-news-daniele-bonera-to-start-for-milan-against

BREAKING NEWS: Daniele Bonera To Start For Milan Against Manchester United
The defender will get a chance to shine instead of youngster Ignazio Abate.

dont know much about Bonera so I cant comment

is this a good or bad thing for utd ?

Seaneh

Headshot wrote: »

according to goal (yes i know)

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2010/02/16/1793577/breaking-news-daniele-bonera-to-start-for-milan-against




dont know much about Bonera so I cant comment

is this a good or bad thing for utd ?

He is a very good fullback defensively, not much going forward.

to me, it means that they are expecting to start Huntelaar with Pato wide right and won't be looking for pato to trackback at all.

nullzero

Am I the only one who see's this being a desperatley dull game?
I might be wrong but 0-0 seem's like the most likely outcome, unless Milan score early and United go at them. Otherwise it's going to be a long night of thankless work from Rooney on his own up front with his supporting players sitting deeper back to stop Milan playing.

redout

Breaking news: Bonera will start at RB instead of Abate.

This is obviously to counter Evra.

PHB

Gosh I'm excited and terrified about this game. I was in San Siro in 2007 when Milan knocked us out and it was heart breaking. I really want to beat them this time.

I'd happily take a score draw in this game. Wouldn't like a 0-0, hopefully Rooney can do something and it'll be a big game for Nani should he start.

redout

I dont rate our chances of winning this game.

Score draw is the most likely outcome.

AC in europe are a totally different kettle of fish.

They should have beaten Real twice only for Dida.

redout

SSN: Becks starts as predicted by the Italian media yesterday

Bukman13

redout wrote: »

They should have beaten Real twice only for Dida.

They could have lost to Zurich twice only for a Ronaldinho pen.

redout

Considering how Becks is starting then this must be the AC team

AC Milan lineup:
Dida, Bonera, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini, Beckham, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Pato, Huntelaar, Ronaldinho

redout

Man Utd lineup:
VDS, Rafael, Rio, Evans, Evra, Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Park, Rooney

Headshot

wow park will be some threat going down the left wing

Mitch Connor

redout wrote: »

Man Utd lineup:
VDS, Rafael, Rio, Evans, Evra, Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Park, Rooney

happy that Nani is starting, but I honestly thought it would be either him or Valencia.

Fergie might be worried about his lack of big match experience though, i suppose. He won't get that experience without playing though. Its a chicken and egg situation as it were (the damn egg came first, clearly)

Big showing of faith in Raf - honestly thought Fergie would go with Brown at the back. Raf against Ronaldinho could be a horror show! Wonder which side of the pitch Park will be on. Nani plays better on the right but then Raf is going to need support vs Ronaldinho.

Can't complain too much though, couldn't really have gone much different from that side.

Seaneh

Wow, that is a very attacking Milan line up.

K4t

Should be a cracking game going by the line-ups.

Anyone know if Milan have a single free kick taker or do Becks, Ronaldinho and Pirlo rotate?

Spud83

Boom 11 out of eleven.

mada999

defensive enough team out for UTD.... as it seems to be most games for them these days.... i really think UTD should have put Valencia and Nani on to go at the Italians... i think utd are playing for a draw and maybe hoping to nick a goal.... Maybe Fergie has been studying Rafa...lol

Johner

Beckham anytime 5/1 is tempting, think I'll just got for Pato first scorer at 13/2.

Mitch Connor

mada999 wrote: »

defensive enough team out for UTD.... as it seems to be most games for them these days.... i really think UTD should have put Valencia and Nani on to go at the Italians... i think utd are playing for a draw and maybe hoping to nick a goal.... Maybe Fergie has been studying Rafa...lol

its the way we have been playing the the CL (and any big game really) for a few years now.

I'm always moaning about the defensive nature of the side.

Games like the Arsenal matches in teh CL last season and the Arsenal game recently have left me with egg on my face.

OPENROAD

Come on Beckham

Diabhal Beag

Can see a 2-1 win for United in Milan. A weaker Milan team than what we are accustomed to over the last decade.

OPENROAD

2-0 Milan imo