Europa League Round Of 16 Return Vs Manchester United

Milan’s form has been disappointing and inconsistent. The first leg at Old Trafford was somewhat of a surprise in that Milan played a solid game and deserved the last minute tying goal. Both teams missed a whole set of players but in the end Milan came out of Manchester with an away goal and bigger hopes. Not that it mattered much in the weekend game versus Napoli. Milan once again depleted didn’t play well and lost a crucial three points versus Gattuso’s men.

Injuries have looked to be easing and indeed Bennacer, Ibra and Hernandez are back but a whole set of players are forced to sit this match out. Rebic was thought to be available and after his pointless dissent red card – and subsequent two game suspension for dissent – versus Napoli some hoped that he would be motivated to contribute in this match but the now somehow common ‘muscular issue’ will keep him out. He is joined by Leao in that list. Romagnoli missed the Napoli game and remains out as do Calabria and Mandzukic.

Ibra may not be able to start from the beginning or at least he should not be risked from the start. What this means however is not palatable to most Milan fans and observers. It means that Castillejo could become a false 9 of sorts and start with Saelemaekers, Calhanoglu and Krunic. Tonali is available and Bennacer is back in the squad but Meite and Kessie remain the likely pivot starters. At the back there is not much choice for Pioli other than Dalot, Tomori, Kjaer and Hernandez in front of Donnarumma.

Manchester United welcome a few players they missed last week as David de Gea, Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek and Marcus Rashford are back in the visitors squad. Not all likely starters but the latter looks to be and could cause trouble for Milan’s sometimes poor and fragile back line and right side. Edinson Cavani will miss the match after initially being declared fit.

Follow the match as it happens, on the forum.