ROSSONERIBLOG.COM’s Meytar Zeevi sees what notes can we take from David Beckham’s homecoming this Wednesday, where Milan finished their European way for this term.

Four goals, great humiliation and a disappointing early elimination for AC Milan. That was what the crowd of Milan saw on Wednesday night, in Old Trafford where il Diavolo played Manchester United for a place in next stage of CL.

The odds weren’t with Milan, that’s for sure; after a 2-3 defeat at Stadio San Siro, the possibility of beating The Red Devils away was quite low – but no one expected such a celebration upon Christian Abbiati’s goal.

Abbiati Looks At The League
Man United 4-0 AC Milan: Elimination Follows Humiliation

RossoneriBlog.com’s Meytar Zeevi sees what the fans of AC Milan or of football in generally could understand from the match in which Manchester United completely outclassed AC Milan.

Alexandre Pato & Alessandro Nesta Are Too Important

It is hard to say that Milan would have beaten Manchester United if Pato & Nesta were in the squad, but one thing guaranteed – the humiliation wouldn’t have been so big, if the Brazilian and the Italian were there to help. This season, the luck of Milan has changed many times, and it has changed again on Wednesday. After the Italian press suggested Milan could beat the United, a big blow arrived to the ears of the fans. First, it was Pato who was declared as ‘unlikely’ to play Manchester United by Milan Vice President Adriano Galliani. Nesta had been examined injured on the day of the game, being labeled as ‘doubtful’ for the clash, and eventually, only a sideline man. Pato adds the speed that Milan lacks and a finishing that is very important for Milan these days. Nesta? Well, no word is needed – despite the age, still the best defender in Italy. Adding to the injury-list Luca Antonini, what Galliani said is 100% true – The injuries of these players have made the difference.

AC Milan Were Not Built For CL Glory This Season

With Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid (knocked out in the same stage as Milan against Olympique Lyonnais) clear favourite to win the desirable title, AC Milan, the second best club in the history of football, had disappeared from the race. There are few reasons for this situation: Silvio Berlusconi (deserves a separate article to explain why), the lack of encouragement in league and the ageing squad who just hasn’t been renewed by much since 2001. Despite claims and ‘faith’ that had surrounded among the fans, no one had really believed that unless a miracle would take place, the Rossoneri would win the Champions League. Furthermore, after the draw, in which Milan got one of the toughest teams in the world – Manchester United, even less could even imagine Milan coming through this round and knock out a team that have been regularly making in to the final of the Champions League in the last couple of years. Milan were weak, old, and just not good enough to win the Champions League or pass through Man United this Wednesday.

Ronaldinho of AC Milan battles Antonio Valencia and Darren Fletcher of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League First Knockout Round, second leg match between Manchester United and AC Milan at Old Trafford on March 10, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

Milan Need New Defenders

This understanding appears also in “What Have We Learned From Milan 2-3 Man United” that was published here on RossoneriBlog.com after the first leg in the games between the two sides. We can really learn this thing from the entire season. This is not a secret that Milan have only two defenders who’re good enough to play in CL, and with one of them outside in the sidelined, Wayne Rooney had easier life against the defense of the Rossoneri. Daniele Bonera seems to forget what is to be a central defender after was regularly played by Leonardo as a full-back. That left Ignazio Abate on the right hand side of the defense, even though is a clear attack player, and Marek Jankulovski who was, like the entire Milan in a very bad day. The defense of Milan against Manchester United (if still deserves to be called that way) was one of the worst Europe has seen in the last years. In these kinds of days, you ask: where are Paolo Maldini, Jaap Stam, and Cafu; where is the steel we had in the back line?

Wayne Rooney of Manchester United battles Thiago Silva and Daniele Bonera of AC Milan during the UEFA Champions League First Knockout Round, second leg match between Manchester United and AC Milan at Old Trafford on March 10, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

David Beckham Still Has It

That was a night ‘Becks wouldn’t forget ever. It’s not the result that wouldn’t keep him quit at nights for long, but the amazing crowd of Manchester United. Beckham returned to his home, where he grew and learned how to play – where he became a true legend with players like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. The crowd just didn’t stop cheering for him. Beckham started the game on the bench, but already when stood up for warm-up, faced a wonderful welcome from The Red Devils fans. Signs were lifted: Welcome home Beckham and many would have cried…but not Becks. David is really one of the best players and personalities in today’s football, and in age of 34, he plays well. In fact, despite getting in as a sub in the second half, in this horrible AC Milan, Beckham was the best player for the Rossoneri. Everywhere he goes, anytime he turns, there will always be someone who loves him, because this is who he is, this is…King David.

David Beckham of AC Milan applauds the fans after the UEFA Champions League First Knockout Round, second leg match between Manchester United and AC Milan at Old Trafford on March 10, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

Leonardo Must Learn More

This is really a matter of time, but maybe Milan need a better Coach. Nothing against Leo, he’s been very good this season, but for Champions League occasions, the Rossoneri need someone who’s more experienced. Take example from Sir Alex Ferguson. Sir Alex is the perfect example of the perfect coach. After over than 20 years with Manchester United the Scot Manager knows the club better than anyone else on earth, and against Milan, in both legs, he lined-up his team in a perfect way, reacted well to changes in the game and knew exactly when to make a sub. This is very hard to come in complaints to Leonardo, because he has less than year of experience as a coach and is doing pretty well for a freshman year. But the idea of taking out Daniele Bonera and putting Massimo Ambrosini as a central defender was really bad and it did not work as Ambro just did not have the powers to chase Rooney and really does not know how to defense because it has never been his job. Again, it’s hard to blame Leonardo, but he has a part in the rout.

David Beckham (R) of AC Milan sits on the bench behind AC Milan manager Leonardo before the UEFA Champions League First Knockout Round, second leg match between Manchester United and AC Milan at Old Trafford on March 10, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

By Meytar Zeevi, Rossoneri Blog