Manchester United welcome AC Milan on Thursday, on the back of a massive 2-0 derby victory over in-form Manchester City. The result ends a scoreless three-game run for The Red Devils. The derby victory provides confidence that they can improve their poor run against the Rossoneri. AC Milan have beaten United in four of five ties in European competition, all in the UEFA Champions League. Both teams will be hoping the next clash is in that competition, and the teams are on track to qualify.

AC Milan are looking to improve the run that has seen them drop off the pace in the Serie A title race against derby rivals Inter, who have a 5-point lead. Milan are struggling for both goals and defensive form.

Injury has ruled out Juan Mata and Phil Jones, Marcus Rashford has a knock and may not be risked. David de Gea is a doubt due to personal reasons, but Dean Henderson has started in the European games.

Milan could be without Hakan Calhanoglu, Ismael Bennacer and Mario Mandzukic due to injuries; they will have fitness reviews before the game. Talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss the return to Old Trafford in a major disappointment for the Rossoneri.

Both teams will field their strongest teams possible in their quest for silverware. United have been almost impenetrable on the flanks. It will be interesting to see if Solskjaer experiments with an extra attacker in midfield or takes the defensive bridle of Scott McTominey at home. The Manchester United defence will be hard to score against, and they are a threat on the counter-attack with the full-backs pushing forward, linking with the attacking four of Greenwood, Martial, Fernandez and James.

AC Milan uses the same formation; however, their system is different. Strength and quality replace skill and pace in the attacking third. With Ibrahimovic missing, the onus will be on the other players to score goals, especially Rafael Leão, the striker who plays through the middle. Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s ability to shoot from a distance and execute set pieces is Milan’s answer to the just as capable Bruno Fernandez.

The game will be challenging, but Ibrahimovic’s absence and The Red Devil’s strong defence could make the difference and swing the tie in Manchester United’s favour. Ibrahimovic is an aerial threat; he holds up the ball well, is an excellent striker of the ball, and links play with the flanks. AC Milan will benefit from the likely absence of Rashford, a creative player with speed to burn and an eye for a goal. Manchester should take this game by 2-0.