Italian job: United must beat Milan for the first time over two legs in Europe

Published: 18 Dec 2009 - 15:06:29

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Italian job: United must beat Milan for the first time over two legs in Europe

Manchester United will have to overcome David Beckham and the weight of history when they tackle AC Milan in the Champions League first knock-out round next year. The European heavyweights have met four times in the past - and on each occasion the Rossoneri came out on top. Red stripe: Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf hits Milan's second goal in the 5-3 aggregate Champions League semi final win at the San Siro in 2007 The latest encounter came in the 2007 semi-final, when United's dreams of reaching the final were shattered at the last hurdle when they were hammered 3-0 in what remains their last away defeat in the competition. It was a similar story at the same stage in 1958, as the Red Devils were still reeling from the Munich tragedy. Red midst: Hernan Crespo was United's nemesis in 2005 scoring both match-winners against United over their two-legged European ties Eleven years later, as defending champions, Sir Matt Busby's men were left complaining at a controversial Denis Law goal being disallowed in the semi-final second leg at Old Trafford, which would have taken the tie to extra-time. In the second round stage of the 2005 competition, a solitary goal in each leg was enough to take the seven-times winners through to the last eight, although the manner of victory was far more comfortable than the margin. Italian job: Wes Brown will be looking to avenge United's dismal record over the Italian giants when they collide again in February. HEAD-TO-HEAD1958 Manchester United 2 AC Milan 1; AC Milan 4 Manchester United 0. 1969AC Milan 2 Manchester United 0; Manchester United 1 AC Milan 0. Golden days: Willie Morgan jumps over Milan keeper Fabio Cudicini - Spurs keeper Carlo's Dad - to help United record a 1-0 European Cup semi final, second leg win at Old Trafford. But Milan won the tie 2-1 on aggregate 2005Manchester United 0 AC Milan 1; AC Milan 1 Manchester United 0. 2007Manchester United 3 AC Milan 2; AC Milan 3 Manchester United 0. VIDEO: Losing Champions League was better than winning it, says FergieCHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW: David Beckham goes back to Manchester United, Jose Mourinho seeks Chelsea revenge and Arsenal pull Porto for last 16As David Beckham prepares to return to Old Trafford Sportsmail relives the highs and lows of his memorable Manchester United yearsMANCHESTER UNITED FC