AC Milan Blog

Manchester United fullback Patrice Evra says over-confidence cost them last season's Champions League final against Barcelona.

United are aiming to stay on course for a third straight final by overcoming AC Milan at Old Trafford on Wednesday to book a quarter-final place.

Ahead of that game, which will see David Beckham face United at Old Trafford for the first time since his 2003 exit, Evra admitted United's arrogance cost them against Barca.

"First and foremost, Barcelona won because they played really well," said Evra. "But even so, I'm frustrated because I feel that we didn't show the real face of Manchester United.

"We were a bit too confident and sure of ourselves, and we were caught cold. We start each season the same, with the desire to go all the way in every competition. At United, winning one title per season just doesn't cut it.

"We're obliged to win several, if not all of them. This year, the main goal is to win a fourth championship in a row, which would be historic.

"But we're also hoping to win the Champions League again, because the defeat in last year's final still sticks in all our throats. Personally, though I've already won it, I'd like to win it three times before ending my career.

"I've played in three finals, one with Monaco and two with United, and lost in two of them.

"So my objective is to win it again, knowing that it would also give us the chance to compete to become world club champions once more."

Read the original Article Here

AC Milan can beat Manchester United, insists United icon David Beckham.

Beckham returns to Old Trafford on Wednesday with AC Milan for the second leg of their Champions League match and is confident of overturning the 3-2 first leg defeat.

Beckham, who played only the last 20 minutes of Milan’s 0-0 draw against Roma on Saturday night, said: "We can win there. Getting two goals at Old Trafford will be hard but it’s not impossible. We will be focused. It will be a very emotional night for me."

Read the original Article Here

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes says victory at Wolves has set them up nicely for the Champions League return-leg clash against AC Milan.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already started chalking the games off, the next one being at Old Trafford on Sunday against Fulham, who have to visit Juventus in the Europa League next Thursday.

United have an eye-catching European tie of their own though, against David Beckham's AC Milan on Wednesday, with the Red Devils looking to defend their 3-2 first-leg lead and advance into the quarter-finals.

"Wednesday is a massive game and this win will send us into it with a lot of confidence," Scholes said.

"Hopefully we can get through the tie and get a place in the next round."

Read the original Article Here

Manchester United captain Gary Neville expects them to be patient against AC Milan in the return-leg of their Champions League tie this week.

In his column for the Sunday Times of Malta, Neville wrote: "Although we hold a 3-2 advantage from the first leg, I doubt we will be looking to blitz them from the kick-off to kill the tie early on. Sometimes in can happen that you win comfortably in the Champions League, but it is not a common occurrence.

"We have played a lot in Europe and we will need to be sensible and use all our experience. Milan are a fantastic team and we are taking nothing for granted.

"David Beckham will return to Old Trafford for the first time as an opposition player, which will add to the occasion. I spoke to him before the tie and I know he is excited to return."

Read the original Article Here

David Beckham's Dad will be at Old Trafford this week to see his AC Milan playing son against Manchester United.

Ted Beckham was at the San Siro to see his son’s Serie A side lose 3-2 in a Champions League round of 16 first leg against Manchester United.

But it was always the thought of a return for the ex-England captain to the ground where he forged his name which has been simmering ever since the draw was made before Christmas.

Ted, a life-long United fan, admitted to the Sunday Express: “I was excited when the draw was made. I texted David straight away. He was gobsmacked. We both were because we couldn’t wait to be involved at Old Trafford.

“It’s going to be special because David spent so much time there. He is eager to see everyone at Old Trafford. It’s been a special place for him. When he left United I was devastated. Returning will be great because he’s still a United supporter. He will be choked by it all.

“He loves it in Milan. He enjoys the football and playing alongside players like Ronaldinho. But there are a lot of good players at Old Trafford. It will be a weird feeling. Half of me wants AC Milan to win while the other half will be rooting for Manchester United.”

Read the original Article Here

AC Milan midfielder David Beckham is preparing for one of the big moments of his career this week.

Beckham will be in the Milan squad attempting to overturn a 3-2 deficit against Manchester ­United. But the former England captain must also cope with the deeply personal significance of this sentimental return to his spiritual home.

Beckham said: “It was a very emotional night for me playing against United in Milan, but going back to Old Trafford is going to be even more so.

“The United fans were unbelievable in the first leg and I thank them for that. It was amazing to hear their chants.

“Without a doubt it will be emotional to hear that from a crowd of more than 70,000 at Old Trafford.

“I had family with me in Milan and they’ll be going to Old Trafford. My Dad’s a big United fan and this is probably the only time he won’t want them to win!”

Read the original Article Here

AC Milan coach Leonardo was left disappointed with their 0-0 draw against Roma.

Leonardo felt they did enough to win the match.

“My team did deserve a little more. We struggled in the opening 15 minutes, then took control of the game and created numerous chances,” he said.

“The second half saw us try to score in every conceivable way and I was impressed with our consistency.”

Leo used Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to complete the trident attack rather than David Beckham in the absence of Alexandre Pato.

“I am very happy with the experiment. It's not easy to ask a player to adopt a different role, although I did urge him to be a centre-forward when in possession. Huntelaar worked very hard and did well tactically, he had a great game.

“The team is very involved in these decisions that can change the way of playing for several individuals. It's no secret that I discuss it with the squad. At the end of the day I make the decision, but I do talk it over with them.

“The team impressed and it's a shame we didn't win, as we did have more of the ball. I can't deny there is a little bitterness at the result. It's just a pity we couldn't get the goal.

“I am increasingly impressed with the movement of the midfielders. Against teams that mark us closely, they understand that they need to stretch the opposition and today Mathieu Flamini worked very hard in that respect.”

Read the original Article Here

AC Milan coach Leonardo was left disappointed with their 0-0 draw against Roma.

Leonardo felt they did enough to win the match.

“My team did deserve a little more. We struggled in the opening 15 minutes, then took control of the game and created numerous chances,” he said.

“The second half saw us try to score in every conceivable way and I was impressed with our consistency.”

Leo used Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to complete the trident attack rather than David Beckham in the absence of Alexandre Pato.

“I am very happy with the experiment. It's not easy to ask a player to adopt a different role, although I did urge him to be a centre-forward when in possession. Huntelaar worked very hard and did well tactically, he had a great game.

“The team is very involved in these decisions that can change the way of playing for several individuals. It's no secret that I discuss it with the squad. At the end of the day I make the decision, but I do talk it over with them.

“The team impressed and it's a shame we didn't win, as we did have more of the ball. I can't deny there is a little bitterness at the result. It's just a pity we couldn't get the goal.

“I am increasingly impressed with the movement of the midfielders. Against teams that mark us closely, they understand that they need to stretch the opposition and today Mathieu Flamini worked very hard in that respect.”

Read the original Article Here

AC Milan coach Leonardo was left disappointed with their 0-0 draw against Roma.

Leonardo felt they did enough to win the match.

“My team did deserve a little more. We struggled in the opening 15 minutes, then took control of the game and created numerous chances,” he said.

“The second half saw us try to score in every conceivable way and I was impressed with our consistency.”

Leo used Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to complete the trident attack rather than David Beckham in the absence of Alexandre Pato.

“I am very happy with the experiment. It's not easy to ask a player to adopt a different role, although I did urge him to be a centre-forward when in possession. Huntelaar worked very hard and did well tactically, he had a great game.

“The team is very involved in these decisions that can change the way of playing for several individuals. It's no secret that I discuss it with the squad. At the end of the day I make the decision, but I do talk it over with them.

“The team impressed and it's a shame we didn't win, as we did have more of the ball. I can't deny there is a little bitterness at the result. It's just a pity we couldn't get the goal.

“I am increasingly impressed with the movement of the midfielders. Against teams that mark us closely, they understand that they need to stretch the opposition and today Mathieu Flamini worked very hard in that respect.”

Read the original Article Here

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits Wayne Rooney is a doubt for their Champions League return-leg clash with AC Milan.
<!--break-->
Rooney missed the 1-0 win over Wolves at Molineux after aggravating a knee injury during England's midweek victory over Egypt.

Ferguson was not happy with his star striker for declaring himself fit for international duty, and United look set to pay the price with the absence of their £27million man for the return encounter with David Beckham and company at Old Trafford this week.

"Wayne is very doubtful for Wednesday," said Ferguson. "The Wembley pitch has killed him."

Read the original Article Here

AC Milan midfielder Ignazio Abate says winning the Scudetto is now a realistic prospect.

Milan face a huge game this weekend against Roma.

Abate said: “Inter deserved to win the derby matches, but the season isn't decided in just two games.”

The 23-year-old also hinted that he might step in for Alexandre Pato this weekend, playing in a more advance position than usual.

“I have been studying David Beckham. I can replace Pato,” he concluded.

Read the original Article Here

Veteran's star has faded just a little too much for South Africa...
Read the original Article Here

Veteran's star has faded just a little too much for South Africa...
Read the original Article Here

MLS commissioner Don Garber has confirmed that LA Galaxy star David Beckham will be back in the USA after this year’s World Cup.
<!--break-->
The England international is currently on loan with Italian giants AC Milan as he prepares for the tournament in South Africa which kicks off in June and Garber says he will definitely be back as a MLS player afterwards.

"David will be back after the World Cup, no doubt about that,” Garber said.

"He has been a success. There are always going to be people, particularly in England, that look at everything and don't see the positives.

"Our league is on the map globally, he's one of the most popular people on the planet and he plays in Major League Soccer for Los Angeles Galaxy.”

Read the original Article Here

MLS head feels it's important that England have good World Cup...
Read the original Article Here

Manchester United captain Gary Neville admits he's hoping for more action after taking part in Sunday's Carling Cup final triumph.

As Neville replaced Rafael yesterday after the Brazilian had suffered a bad attack of cramp only an hour into the game, there must be a chance he will retain his place for Saturday's encounter with Wolves, and maybe even the decider against an AC Milan side containing old friend David Beckham, who returns to Old Trafford on March 10.

"I don't know if that will happen," said Neville. "The manager has other options.

"I have played a few games recently and it has been a good week for me in that sense.

"I do feel better now. The difference for me is when I play games I get fitter. When I get fitter I feel better."

Read the original Article Here

David Beckham was delighted with AC Milan's victory over Atalanta.

The on-loan LA Galaxy midfielder is convinced Milan can overhaul Serie A leaders Inter.

Beckham said: "We won, it was important to get the three points. And everything is going well because we continue to create pressure for Inter."

Read the original Article Here

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted Ryan Giggs could be fit for the return-leg of their Champions League clash with AC Milan.

Giggs has been recovering from a fractured arm.

"Ryan still has the injury to the arm," said Ferguson.

"But we are taking the plate out at the end of the week and he will be in full training after that, which is good news."

This could set up an emotional night at Old Trafford with Giggs and Milan's David Beckham again sharing the same pitch.

Read the original Article Here

David Beckham is determined to help AC Milan maintain their form with victory over Fiorentina tonight.

The Rossoneri can move within four points of League leaders Inter with a victory in Florence.

“It was good to get back to winning ways yesterday and the three points were vital,” Beckham wrote on his official website.

“We played well and deserved it, and if we can win our game in hand against Fiorentina on Wednesday night, we'll keep the pressure on Inter.

“Although games are coming thick and fast, I'm trying to experience the city and I've managed to squeeze in some cookery lessons where I can.

“I love Italian food and haven't had a bad meal since I've been here so I've decided to learn how to make fresh pasta, risotto and other dishes, and I'll be trying them out on family and friends."

Read the original Article Here

Beckham hopes to help Milan continue a winning trend...
Read the original Article Here