Manchester United vs AC Milan: Champions League Preview and Prediction

Published by William | Filed under Champions League, Football (aka soccer), Predictions, Previews

Can Milan contain Rooney this time around?

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3/3 20:00 GMT AC Milan at Manchester United – Odds | Stats


After looking like the better team for most of the first half, Manchester United proved to be too much for AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 bout as Wayne Rooney torched the Rossonerri with 2 second half goals leading United to a 3-2 victory. Now they must travel to Old Trafford and score 2 goals if they wish to overcome the Red Devils and advance to the quarterfinals. David Beckham makes him much maligned return to the place where he made himself a household name in English football.


Manchester United:


Manchester United has truly continued to impress as the Wayne Rooney led squad now trails Chelsea by 1 point in the Premiership standings. Rooney leads England in scoring with 23 goals and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. United won their first piece of hardware of the new decade last Sunday when they defeated Aston Villa 2-1 for yet again, another League Cup trophy. And oh yeah, Rooney scored the winner with a header in the 76th. The Wonderboy proved that he is human after all however in receiving a knock this week in England’s friendly against Egypt. He should be read in time for Wednesday’s fixture. His likely replacement, veteran Michael Owen, is out for the season after receiving negative test results on the hamstring injury he suffered against Villa in the Carling Cup final. In positive news, Owen Hargreaves is set to make his return this weekend in a league match with Wolverhampton and should be ready to go come Wednesday.


AC Milan:


Other than their recent falter to Manchester United, AC Milan has been in magnificent form and now trail city rivals Internazionale by only 4 points in the Serie A league table. The question is do they have what it takes to go into Old Trafford and steal a victory from the 2008 Champions League winners? Ronaldinho seems to think so and if he does, then that may be all the Rossoneri need. The Brazilian playmaker has been on fire lately and has played a huge part in the recent resurgence of Milan. After recently being snubbed for the friendly with Ireland by Brazilian coach Dunga, Ronnie will have to impress on the big stage if he wishes to secure a spot in next summer’s World Cup and this may be the perfect chance. Also looking to do some damage will be former United star David Beckham who makes his first appearance at Old Trafford in 7 years since he left the club for Real Madrid. He is also looking to impress his international coach, Fabio Capello, as he is also competing for playing time in this summer’s competition. As for injuries, Milan may be without Pato as he still recovers from a hamstring injury he picked up last week against Atalanta. Thiago Silva and Clarence Seedorf are also questionable for the tie.


Prediction:


I’d love to say that Milan has a chance heading into this one but I’m just not sure they have what it takes to capture a victory against an in-form United at Old Trafford. Not to say that it can’t happen but I will say it is unlikely. Ronaldinho will need to dig deep if he is to lead the Rossoneri onward in the Champions League.


Manchester United 2 – 0 AC Milan


Bet of the Match:


Manchester United at 1.65 from Bwin