Manchester United-Milan: It Will Take Something Special

This is not mission impossible. Rather, it is a mission that is highly improbable, but still possible. For Milan to overturn the deficit at Old Trafford, the Rossoneri will have to play an almost perfect game and hope that luck is on their side. It will take something special, that is for sure.

It is unfortunate that Milan find themselves with such a daunting task, following their stellar show in the first leg. The performance of the Rossoneri in the first leg warranted more than a 3-2 loss. But this is history, as they say, and what Milan need to focus on is turning things around if they are to progress to the next round.

The task before Milan is to win at Old Trafford and by two goals. A daunting task, to say the least. But Milan have overturned a 3-2 deficit before and against the same opponents when they dominated United in the second leg of the 2007 semifinal to win 3-0 and progress to the final. The only difference being that back in 2007 the second leg was played at the San Siro, and this makes things very different this time.

Despite this major difference, what Milan need to do is play exactly like they did in that second leg three years ago against United. That is, they need to play the perfect game. They need to take control of the match from the onset, score an early goal, and not allow United any time on the ball.

The first leg may not have provided the desired result but it did show this Milan side are a team capable of matching United. If you will remember, it was the injury to Antonini in the first half that completely changed the game. His absence from the field of play led to United’s first goal and his replacement, Favalli, was no match for Valencia as the Ecuadorian skipped past him to set up Rooney for United’s second. For this second tie, Antonini is set to play again in what is a major boost for Milan down that left flank.

If Milan are to progress, much will depend on the performance of Ronaldinho. The Brazilian has been in fine form of late and is now showing more consistency. Rafael is set to start for United at right back and therefore this should be an area where Milan can take advantage. For Rafael is young and far from the finished product, and with all of Ronaldinho’s experience and undeniable quality, surely this is one matchup Milan will win.

Ronaldinho’s two partners in the Milan front line will be Borriello and Pato. Pato has miraculously recovered in time for this tie in what will give the rest of the side a boost in confidence. Pato is a clinical finisher, something that Borriello is not, and for this reason his inclusion in the starting lineup is absolutely crucial if Milan are to progress. Had Pato been able to play against Roma on the weekend, Milan would be two points behind Inter, but that is a different story.

With Pato back, Borriello will most certainly be the target man up front. Borriello does not have the goalscoring instincts of his young Brazilian teammate, but he is strong, he hustles, and he holds the ball up well to invite teammates into play. For these reasons, Borriello will be chosen ahead of Huntelaar who will be brought on for sure if Milan find themselves still needing goals later on in the game.

If Milan are to dominate this game, as they will need to, then the orchestrator for Milan’s play will come from the middle of the park in the form of Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo needs to dictate the flow of the game and this will only be possible if he is aided by two capable defensive midfielders.

Flamini impressed on the weekend against Roma and should be included in the starting lineup for this tie. Flamini is a box to box midfielder, always willing to have a shot from distance, a willingness Milan need in this game, and capable in defence. If played alongside Ambrosini, Milan will have a midfield duo more than capable of matching their opponents who will likely be Fletcher and Carrick. If Flamini and Ambrosini can win the battle in the middle of the park, then Pirlo will be able to orchestrate the game for Milan and only if this happens can Milan dominate this tie.

Rooney has been cleared to play, which is unfortunate, but with Milan being in better shape now than they were in the first leg,  this should not matter. Though Nesta and Silva will need to be at their best to nullify his threat.

Leo has some important decisions to make for he still has the options of using Seedorf or Beckham in midfield. Up front there are few question marks as to who he will choose whilst in defence; it should be Antonini and Bonera as full backs and Nesta and Silva in the centre.

This is undoubtedly Leo’s biggest challenge of his short managerial career. If he can guide Milan past United in this tie, then his job will be secure. In fact, he probably will have an offer for extension immediately after the game if Milan progress.

It is understandable that many Milan fans, myself included, remain largely pessimistic about Milan’s chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals. However, as has already been explained, this is a Milan side more than capable of fulfilling such a daunting task. Furthermore, this is football and in football anything can and does happen.

But much will come down to sheer luck when Milan take to the field at Old Trafford and for this reason, one can only hope for the best. Worst case scenario is that Milan will have more time and energy focusing on winning the Scudetto. A consolation of sorts, but one that is worth settling for.

Considering where the season started for Milan, things have turned out better than expected. Progression to the next round would be great, but even if Milan fail to get there, this is a Milan side that has come a long way in a short space of time.