Milan legend Franco Baresi expresses his admiration for Marcus Rashford and Fikayo Tomori. ‘Manchester United are the Europa League favourites, but we’re convinced we can do well.’
The first leg in the Europa League Round of 16 kicks off on Thursday at 17.55 GMT at Old Trafford.
Former defender Baresi spoke to The Times newspaper about the meeting of fallen giants, who had in previous years met in the Champions League rather than this secondary tournament.
Milan legend Franco Baresi expresses his admiration for Marcus Rashford and Fikayo Tomori. ‘Manchester United are the Europa League favourites, but we’re convinced we can do well.’
The first leg in the Europa League Round of 16 kicks off on Thursday at 17.55 GMT at Old Trafford.
Former defender Baresi spoke to The Times newspaper about the meeting of fallen giants, who had in previous years met in the Champions League rather than this secondary tournament.
“It’s a shame to meet United in the last 16, as it would’ve been nice to face them later in the competition. But football is made up of cycles. We are coming into this game convinced we can do well, and we’re hoping for two great matches where we can annoy United,” Baresi told the British newspaper.
“Milan are doing well, we’re second in the league. We’re always looking ahead, never to the past. Our objective is to get back into the Champions League and we find ourselves in a good position that we want to maintain.
“Winning Serie A would be the best outcome, of course, but the main aim is a return to the Champions League. United are also in a similar position, they went out of the Champions League, maybe unexpectedly. United is a team that always aims to achieve great things.”
Both sides have numerous injury problems going into the first leg, but undoubtedly Manchester United have more strength in depth, having built their squad for the Champions League.
“Milan respect United. These are two big clubs with great histories, but I think Milan can come into the game in a good mental state and create problems for United,” continued Baresi.
“We know it won’t be easy — United are the favourites to win the Europa League — but we’ll go for it.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the biggest names missing for the Rossoneri at Old Trafford against his former club.
“Ibra is so strong for us, in terms of what he’s managed to transmit to his team-mates: trust and awareness. But we’re a group of players and hope that we can cope with his absence.”
Baresi’s favourite Manchester United player is also out of the first leg with an ankle injury.
“I like Marcus Rashford a lot, he’s an extraordinary player. He wouldn’t be bad for Milan. He can play in any position up front; it would be a nice advantage.
“Rashford is a modern forward who has everything required to do well. He has already shown and done great things and he has a lot of quality.”
The defence could be decisive tomorrow, and Milan look to Fikayo Tomori, who arrived from Chelsea in January.
“He’s young, he’s taking on the mentality that Milan asks of him and he is starting to understand the league. I think he can only improve, because he has fantastic quality.”
However, there isn’t a new Franco Baresi anywhere in the two teams.
“Come on, they don’t make them like Baresi anymore! The role of the centre back hasn’t really changed that much. They spend more time on the ball now and have more physicality, perhaps. I wasn’t very tall, but it’s important also to have the right determination and focus. All these things must be put out on the pitch.
“I have a lot of respect for United’s centre backs. They are physically strong and have character. Milan are improving after a few problems, but we need to play as a team.”