They are some massive clubs competing in the Europa League this season and two of them will meet at Old Trafford On Thursday night as Manchester United take on AC Milan. This is the glamour draw everyone wanted and it will be interesting to see how the tie unfolds.
Manchester United come into the match full of confidence following their 2-0 victory at Manchester City in the Premier League on the weekend. It was a fantastic performance by the Red Devils and shows what they can do when playing well.
Pace, power and precision ✔@LukeShaw23's derby strike was 👌#MUFC @RemingtonUK pic.twitter.com/OdF5YttFsN— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 8, 2021
Pace, power and precision ✔@LukeShaw23's derby strike was 👌#MUFC @RemingtonUK pic.twitter.com/OdF5YttFsN
However, that was their first victory in 4 matches in all competitions following draws against Chelsea and Crystal Palace in the Premier League plus Real Sociedad at home in the Europa League.
Despite being held to a 0-0 draw at home in the Round of 32 by Real Sociedad, progress was already assured for Manchester United following their 4-0 victory in the away leg. However, it is worth pointing out the game was played at a neutral venue.
Manchester United come into the game on an 11 match unbeaten run in all competitions. They have a good record in the Europa League and are undefeated in 8 of their last 9 in the competition.
Trends show Manchester United have not been beaten in their last 7 straight home clashes in the Europa League.
AC Milan make the trip to Old Trafford having defeated Hellas Verona 2-0 away from home in Serie A on the weekend.
That was a fourth successive match without defeat and AC Milan have beaten Roma away from home and been held by Udinese at home in Serie A plus had a draw at home against Crvena Zvezda in the Europa League.
Form in the Europa League shows AC Milan are undefeated in their last 5 games in the competition. They have lost only one of their last 11 Europa League matches and are undefeated in their last 6 on the road.
Trends show both teams have scored in 6 of AC Milan’s 8 most recent away Europa League games. The Italian club have managed to score at least one goal in each of their last 11 away Europa League matches.
Team news and Manchester United are definitely without Paul Pogba due to injury. Donny van de Beek, Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford, and Luke Shaw are doubts meaning Alex Telles and Mason Greenwood could come into the starting XI.
AC Milan travel without Ismael Bennacer, Mario Mandzukic, Daniele Bonera, Brahim Díaz, and Hakan Calhanoglu due to injury. Ante Rebic, Theo Hernández, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are doubts.
This should be an entertaining game and we expect to see over 2.5 goals and both teams find the back of the net. AC Milan have a strong record away from home in the Europa League and could come away from the first leg with a draw.