Manchester United vs AC Milan - 5 key battles to decide the game | UEFA Europa League 2020-21

#3 Rafael Leao (AC Milan) vs Harry Maguire (Manchester United)

Maguire warming up before the Newcastle United game in the Premier League.

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic doutbful for Milan and Hakan Calhanoglu being out injured, the mantle has fallen upon Rafael Leao for delivering in terms of away goals in this battle at Old Trafford.

Although Leao may not be the strongest link in the Milan camp, he has 10 direct goal contributions in what could be termed one of his weakest seasons in recent years.

On Thursday, he goes neck-to-neck with United captain Harry Maguire, which will be interesting considering the fact that the English centre-back has struggled against pacey forwards in the past.

Leao's additional attribute is that the Portuguese striker drops deep often to get more involved in the build-up play, usually taking his marker out of position many times during the game.

History has been witness that United haven't been at their best when Maguire has been caught out of position. This could be a huge talking point ahead of this Europa League fixture.

Nevertheless, this could be a pair of players to really keep an eye on during the game as they directly pose a threat to goal-scoring action at one end of the pitch.

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#2 Frank Kessie (AC Milan) vs Scott McTominay (Manchester United)

Franck Kessie is Milan's designated spot-kick taker this season.

If there is one man who will be remembered by the Rosonneri fans for the 2020-21 season - it shall be none other than Franck Kessie.

The Ivorian has 9 goals and 2 assists this season which are incredible figures for a midfielder and Milan could really get some help from his goal-scoring abilities in this away leg against Manchester United.

Though most of his goals have come through penalties, his ability to bury the ball despite immense pressure is certainly commendable.

Young Scott McTominay's job on Thursday would be to contain Kessie as it stands. Paul Pogba is out injured and Solskjaer hasn't preferred Donny van de Beek and Nemanja Matic off-late for his first team roles.

McTominay might need to have the game of his life to keep the Milan central midfielder quiet as Kessie is known for his daunting late runs on the edge of the box, which could be brutal if United fail to clear the ball from the defensive third.

McTominay has been brilliant since his debut back in 2017, stepping up in big games by holding onto his position well. This will again be tested thoroughly as Milan's build-up to play has a lot of contribution from their midfield who pull the strings for Stefano Pioli.

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#1 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) vs Alessio Romagnoli (AC Milan)

Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring the first goal from a penalty against Manchester City.

Since his arrival from Sporting CP, Bruno Fernandes has been a revelation for Solskjaer's Manchester United. A talisman on the field who brings his A-game week in, week out, Fernandes shall once again be in the headlines ahead of the Milan clash on Thursday night.

Though an advanced midfielder in the starting eleven, Fernandes is often seen in a much higher role on the pitch, thus giving United an opportunity to have two men upfront.

With that being said, Fernandes shall be a key figure alongside Anthony Martial attacking the Milan goal from the middle of the pitch - making a case for Alessio Romagnoli to be involved in many exchanges during the game.

The 26-year-old centre-back is a reactive defender rather than a proactive one, who likes to make late tackles or blocks in the game. This could tactically ricochet on him as an extra second for Fernandes could mean the ball being in the back of the net or a sublime pass threaded to take the back-line out of the equation.

Milan haven't kept a clean sheet in the last 4 meetings with Manchester United and it will be half the battle won if Pioli can take a clean sheet back to the San Siro. How Romagnoli and co. manage to keep Fernandes at bay on Thursday could be pivotal to the entire two-legged tie for sure.