Man Utd v AC Milan – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Man Utd host Milan at Old Trafford on Thursday night in the UEFA Europa Leagues. Both sides sit 2nd in their domestic leagues but Man Utd are miles off Man City whilst Milan are six points behind Inter and therefore likely to prioritise a title challenge over trying to win their trophy. This is the first meeting between these sides since 2010 when Wayne Rooney scored four goals across two matches against AC Milan.

Man Utd Form

Man Utd picked up an impressive 2-0 away win against Man City in their last match. However, the gap to the top of the table is still 11 points and probably too much to make up. Five draws in their previous seven league matches cost the side as they dropped 10 points.

Across all competitions, United have lost just once in 18 matches. They beat Real Sociedad 4-0 away (and drew 0-0 at home) to reach this stage of the Europa League having been knocked out of the Champions League. Man Utd have won just six of their 13 home league matches this season so far.

Man Utd Team News

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has numerous injury doubts to deal with ahead of this match. Marcus Rashford injured himself against Man City and is likely to miss out whilst Dean Henderson could start again in goal with David De Gea nursing a problem. Edinson Cavani is another who probably won’t make it in time.

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The front three could comprise Mason Greenwood, Daniel James and Anthony Martial. With Paul Pogba still injured in midfield, the only real option to freshen the side is Nemanja Matic. Otherwise, it’s likely to be the same side as for the derby with no big-name players given a rest.

Man Utd Motivation

With the Premier League title looking a long shot now, Man Utd and Solskjaer may devote greater attention to the Europa League. A very strong starting lineup is expected the United will play to win and to try to keep a fifth clean sheet in a row. This is a big match and that usually means a physical and more defensive approach from Solskjaer.

Milan Form

Milan reached this stage having beaten Red Star Belgrade on away goals in the last round. The Rossoneri looked like title favourites after 11 wins and four draws in their first 15 league games this season. However, their last 11 matches have seen four defeats and the side have dropped to 2nd in the table, six points behind Inter Milan.

Milan have the best away record in Serie A by a distance with 34 points from 13 matches. They have won 11 and lost just once on their travels in the league this season. The side’s last two results were a 1-1 home draw with Udinese and 2-0 win at Hellas Verona.

Milan Team News

Stefano Pioli has several injuries to deal with ahead of this match. Left back Theo Hernandez should be fit to return and Ante Rebic should also shake off a knock to play. Both players missed Milan’s last match.
Sandro Tonali is another who should be fit to start but Ismael Bennacer is likely to miss out in midfield once again with a groin problem and Hakan Calhanoglu is touch and go.

Up front, Mario Mandzukic is expected to miss out and Zlatan Ibrahimovic is more likely to play the return leg having missed the last two matches with injury. Rafael Leao could lead the line.

Milan Motivation

Milan are probably still prioritising Serie A over the Europa League but they will take this match very seriously and will probably play their best available XI. Pioli’s side are excellent on the road as they tend to win a lot of penalties and score plenty of set play goals using their width and counter attacking ability on the flanks.

A score draw would be seen as a great result and Milan would back themselves to progress if they can get a 1-1 or 2-2 draw from this first leg.

Key Stats

Man Utd have drawn 6 of their last 11 matches in 90 minutes

United have drawn 5 of their last 8 PL matches

Man Utd have kept 4 clean sheets in a row

Man Utd have won 6 of their 13 home PL matches this season

Milan have won 11 of their 13 away matches in Serie A this season

Milan have lost 4 of their last 11 Serie A matches

Milan are 6 away matches without a clean sheet

Milan have been awarded 16 penalties this season, scoring 12 and missing 4

Prediction

This is likely to be a tight and cagey first leg affair. Man Utd are defending well but have not had the best season at Old Trafford and are a better away side. Milan are excellent on their travels and will be confident of leaving with an away goal and/or a draw. The best bet is perhaps a low scoring draw considering some of the attacking players that both sides could be without.