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The English football calendar this weekend was dominated by FA Cup Fifth Round action and Manchester United, by virtue of their loss to Leeds, had the weekend off. They will arrive in Italy for Tuesday’s clash with Milan at the San Siro with almost a full week’s worth of rest.  

But United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is taking no chances.

"You have to recognize they are not short of skill and experience – Ronaldinho, Pato, all these players – but equally we have players who can win the match, too. After the experience in the San Siro three years ago, where they dominated the game, I know that won't happen again."

The Red Devils will want to make amends against the Rossoneri

Sir Alex alludes to United’s previous expedition against the Milanese giants. In 2007 the Red Devils beat the Rossoneri 3-2 at home, but lost the away leg 3-0, thus crashing out of the competition on 5-3 aggregate. Brazilian international Kaka scored three of Milan’s five goals so Sir Alex and his men are unlikely to lament Kaka’s departure to Real Madrid.

The tie this year, however, provides an opportunity for a former United star to reunite with his old club, albeit in different colors. Posh Spice’s husband David, once of Manchester United and now on loan to Milan from his full time club the LA Galaxy, is looking forward to the reunion.

Will Posh’s hubby get in the game?

The question is, will he play? He was on the bench for the two most recent Milan matches. However, Amantino Mancini, who filled in for Beckham in those two matches, is “cup-tied,” having played previously in the Champions League for Milan’s rival Inter. Perhaps we’ll get to see Posh’s husband play against his old club yet.

It would be nice, especially for those of a romantic persuasion, to see Beckham meet up with some of his old teammates. Beckham clearly has a soft spot in his heart for United, for whom he played as a schoolboy and a full professional before a falling out with the boss forced his departure. Beckham has sworn not to celebrate if he scores against United on Tuesday night. Nevertheless, he needs to get in the game before any such notions become possibilities.

One club off song, the other in tune

In current form the two clubs are widely divergent. Celebrated Brazilian international Ronaldinho had three assists as Milan beat Udinese 3-2 on Friday night. Two goals by Klaas Jan-Huntelaar and another by Alexandre Pato in his first match back from injury sealed the win. But it’s Milan’s first win in almost a month and the Rossoneri currently sit third in Serie A, two points behind second place Roma and eight behind leaders Inter.

In contrast to Milan’s run of form, Manchester United are second in the Premier League, and they’re pushing hard against leaders Chelsea. Although they squandered points last week with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, they are eight games unbeaten in the league, with six of those eight being wins. Indeed, the draw with Villa can be seen as something of a victory, too, since United played that match with 10 men for over an hour following a red card to Nani. Suffice to say that United are in better form than Milan at the moment.

Milan defenders will be challenged

This is not to suggest that Milan won’t take the fight to United. Indeed, they’ll have to. The good run of form the Red Devils have shown lately demands it. Wayne Rooney will be especially challenging for the Milan defenders. Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva will have to pay attention on Tuesday night if they wish to curtail Rooney’s expeditionary endeavors.

Yet not all is entirely well with United at the moment. Ryan Giggs, English football’s Peter Pan, fractured his forearm last week in the draw with Aston Villa. He’ll be unavailable. Still, Ferguson has a number of midfielders on good form including Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Nani, Ji Sung Park, and Antonio Valencia, all of whom can provide potentially devastating support for Rooney’s forays into the heart of the Milan defense.

Milan on the other hand have some pretty good midfield players of their own. Apart from Beckham, Milan coach Leonardo can call on Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Massimo Ambrosini, Mathieu Flamini and the fiery Gennaro Gattuso. Experienced and talented players one and all.

The tie will be decided in the 2nd leg says Sir Alex!

Although Manchester United boss Sir Alex isn’t counting any chickens before their eggs crack open, he nevertheless hinted at confidence in his club’s chances of going through to the Round of 8.

"We're away from home in the first leg, which won't be easy,” he said, “but I'm certain the tie will be decided back at Old Trafford."

Presumably David Beckham won’t celebrate if that prediction comes true either.
 

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