How the parallels with 1999 tot up. As United chase a treble once more, they again face Italian opposition in successive rounds of the Champions League. Not only that, the opposition is provided by a Carlo Ancelotti side that have seen better days.

Not only thatf well, you get the picture. Suffice to say, Clive Tyldesley is busy preparing a number of moment-defining proclamations.

For all that though, it will be one of United's more recent European campaigns that will weigh heaviest come Tuesday.

When Milan twice bested them 10 in the 2005 second round, the Italian midfield was the difference. Making maximum use of United's willingness to run into dead-ends, they gave a masterclass in ball retention with elegantly constructed triangles frequently leaving Kaka in ominous-looking scenarios. And though the rest of Milan's side has deteriorated badly since, that tier has only improved. Kaka continually grows in stature while Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gatusso are beginning to enjoy the statesmanship of that World Cup triumph.

The conundrum for Alex Ferguson will be how to deal with them. Lacking a 'windscreen wiper' type midfielder such as Claude Makelele or Javier Mascherano to pick up Kaka, United simply have to disrupt the supply to him. As such, how they use the ball will be key. Should they do so with the abandon of the quarter-finals, then that factor could be rendered redundant. Milan are far too experienced to collapse like Roma, but don't have the energy to withstand Cristiano Ronaldo and co for 90 minutes at that pace. United's greater vigour and momentum should hand them the advantage going into the second leg, but not enough to prevent a nervy night in the San Siro. Much likef oh, we'll leave that to Clive.

Verdict Home win