The two once-dominant fallen giants appear to have woken from their slumber, and success in Europe is desired by either.
Manchester United welcome AC Milan at Old Trafford on Thursday for what is expected to be an absorbing Europa League Round of 16 clash.
11 long years since have passed since the two sides last faced each other, with both going on a downward trajectory thereafter.
With the help of some smart recruitment and constructive management, however, either of them appear to be on the right path to their former glories.
Man United progressed to the last-16 stage after beating Real Sociedad 4-0 on aggregate, with all four of their goals scored in the first leg away from home.
Milan, meanwhile, had a nail-biting encounter against Red Star Belgrade. The contestants were inseparable after two legs, with a 3-3 scoreline, but the Italians progressed on away goals.
Manchester United vs Milan Form:
The Red Devils will go into the match with sky-high morale, having beaten league leaders Manchester City 2-0 to end their record-breaking 21-game winning streak.
However, they still trail 11 points being their noisy neighbors.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are unbeaten in their past 11 games across all competitions and have lost twice once in the last 25 fixtures. Intimidating form to say the least.
The Rossoneri sit second in their league standings as well and also lag behind their local rivals. But unlike their upcoming opponents, they are still in the title race as only six points separate them from Inter Milan.
Stefano Pilo’s men have managed only two wins in their last seven games in all competitions, but have emerged victorious in each of their last two away matches.
Manchester United vs Milan Head-to-head:
With five wins apiece in 10 previous meetings, the two sides have an evenly-matched head-to-head record.
United thrashed Milan 4-0 in the last meeting which came in the Champion League last-16 stage back in 2010.
Manchester United vs Milan Team News:
Solskjaer, speaking in his pre-match press conference, did not strictly rule out Marcus Rashford but said he was unlikely to feature.
The manager, however, did strictly rule out Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba, David De Gea, Donny van de Beek, Juan Mata, and Phil Jones.
Pioli, meanwhile, has his fair share of injury concerns as well with a host of key players missing.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Hakan Calhanoglu, Ismael Bennacer, Theo Hernandez, Mario Mandzukic, and Ante Rebic are out injured.
Manchester United vs Milan Latest Odds:
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