Manchester United Visit AC Milan, The Champion’s League Masters
Manchester United have lifted the European Cup/Champions League thee times in their history but that still leaves them four behind the team they visit in Italy on Tuesday. AC Milan are very much the ultra-specialists of European football.
Since the Champions League began in 1992 Milan have almost become a club that prioritises European football over their domestic league. Five of their triumphs have come in the past 20 years- plus they have been losing finalists three times, as well and regular contenders in the last eight.
Milan’s Wise Heads On Old Shoulders
In Serie A Milan won the title five times in the 1990s but since the Millennium they have enjoyed just one scudetto. The presence of David Beckham in their squad provides a clue why. Under coach Carlo Ancelotti- now installed at Chelsea- the Rossoneri maintained a playing staff with an amazingly high average age.
This wealth of experience and technique stood them in good stead on the European stage but left them vulnerable to hard charging sides in Serie A. Neighbours Internationale have taken advantage to pile up several titles on the spin.
In the past two seasons the average age has gone down a little but United might face a midfield full of thirty-somethings on Tuesday. Beckham, Andrea Pirlo. Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf and Massimo Ambrosini have all played in more than one Champions League Final.
Up front, Pippo Inzaghi is the elder statesman alongside Ronaldinho who is trying to revive his chances of playing in the World Cup Finals. Even with the retirement of the peerless Paulo Maldini, this is still the most experienced squad ever assembled in terms of big game know how. Eight of the current squad have played at the World Cup with Italy.
United’s Hopes Rest On Maintaining Possession
The key for United is to try and keep the tempo high. Milan are rarely bested in games based around technical ability and passing. Sir Alex Ferguson will need to stretch the hosts and try to force what is still a relatively venerable back four to move around the park. Park Ji-Sung’s high energy wide play could get the nod to support the in-form Wayne Rooney.
The absence of Ryan Giggs is a blow because keeping the ball against Milan is vital. The Welshman would have been certain starter for this one but with Giggs out, Paul Scholes becomes even more important.
If United can protect their possession and force the Italian side to defend the full width of the pitch, the visitors should do enough to keep the scores level and become favourites to finish the job at Old Trafford.
A first leg draw is on offer at 3.00 but to add a bit of spice to your Champions League betting why not bet on Wayne Rooney to score and them game to end in a draw at 7.25. With Rooney on such great form and United looking solid at the back this bet doesn’t look as risky the more you think about it.
And here’s one for all you football romantics out there. David Beckham is on offer at 7.00 to score and AC Milan to beat Man United. Beckham is sure to get a positive response from the United fans but will they still be cheering their former hero when the full-time whistle blows?
We have a difference of opinion on the blog today for AC Milan V Man United prediction. Our Serie A predictions expert has AC Milan to win and has backed the on-form Ronaldinho to score. To read his thoughts on the match head over to his AC Milan V Man United prediction preview.
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