By Nathan John
Manchester United take on AC Milan in the round of 16 in the UEFA Europa League tonight at Old Trafford as the Red Devils look to progress to the Quarter Finals of the competition for the second consecutive season.
The match will be the tenth meeting between the two sides in European competitions, with the last meeting coming in the 2009/10 Champions League Round of 16, United running out 3-2 winners at the San Siro.
With the potential return of ex-United forward Zlatan Ibrahimović to Old Trafford, the tie throws up a potential battle of the ex-players, with Milan full back Diogo Dalot also set to return to Manchester to face his parent club the Portuguese currently on loan with the Italians.
United were comfortable winners in their Round of 32 tie, beating Spanish opponents Real Sociedad by a 4-0 aggregate score. There is trouble within the ranks for the hosts however, with United forwards Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani likely to miss the tie according to United boss Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. Star midfielder Paul Pogba is also a doubt for tonight’s game.
🚨 The latest fitness update ahead of tomorrow’s #UEL round-of-16 clash 👇#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 10, 2021
The tie will not be easy for United however as Milan look a team reborn this season under manager Stefano Pioli, with the Rosonerri flying high in Serie A this season in second position. Their last tie was a struggle however, with Milan progressing on away goals against Serbian side FK Crvena Zvezda.
If the English side are to progress, it would be the third consecutive time that they have reached the quarter final stage of a European competition in the last three seasons. Milan last reached this stage of the competition in 2018 when they were knocked out by English opponents Arsenal.
Kick off is at 17:55 (GMT)
