The Canadian Stretford End

For the first time this season Old Trafford will be hosting a big European night tomorrow when Manchester United face off against AC Milan in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. Over the past few years there have been some classic European ties at Old Trafford, when United beat tomorrow’s same opponents 3-2 immediately springs to mind, as does beating Barcelona and the 7-1 demolition of Roma. So what to expect tomorrow?

Hopefully the Manchester United green and gold faithful can make tomorrow night another one to remember. The atmosphere at Old Trafford is often criticized and lots of the time, rightly so. It has been diabolical at times since the Glazers took over (I’m not blaming this entirely on the Glazers there have been lots of other factors and it was poor before them, they just made it worse), but European nights have always been a little special. Proof that the Old Trafford crowd really can come to life. Against Barcelona the atmosphere was as good as ever, the stadium was filled with red and even more uncommonly no one left early. Ever since the green and gold campaign has caught hold the atmosphere has been even better.

There were talks of a protest at tomorrow’s match but it looks like those talks have died away and despite a last second plea from the Red Knights the ground will be packed at kick off. With David Beckham making his first return to Old Trafford against United, and Manchester United playing in their highest profile match since the green and gold campaign kicked off in January it looks like tomorrow could be one of the best nights in recent times at Old Trafford.

Aside from an incredible atmosphere I think Old Trafford could be the host of a very interesting match tomorrow. The first leg was much more open than anyone had anticipated and with Manchester United taking the upper hand the tie is perfectly poised for the second leg. AC Milan have not been a team associated with vibrant, attacking play over the past few decades, but they certainly are capable of playing some tantalizing stuff as we saw in the first leg. With the likes of Ronaldinho, Pato, Pirlo and Seedorf, Milan are a threatening opposition even down by what is essentially two goals (because of United’s three away goals).

Expect Milan to attack from the onset, but they will have to be wary going up against one of the best counter attacking sides in Europe. Manchester United proved in the last leg that Rooney and Valencia going forward can be lightning quick. Rooney’s return from injury will be essential as United’s entire attack revolves around him. The key to playing against United is marking Rooney out of the game is the key, but for Milan this will be very difficult since most of the attacks they will likely be dealing with will be counter attacks.

In the end I expect to see a fast paced match and hopefully another classic like we saw when these teams met in 2007. When you support a club like Manchester United you often take for-granted massive European matches like tomorrow’s second leg, so as a supporter you just have to enjoy every moment of it.