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Thursday night’s Europa League tie with Milan is finely poised – and it could be United’s best chance at winning a trophy this season.

As you know, the title race is very much over in my mind – there’s a reason I’ve paid out early on City winning the league!

Therefore, United’s second leg round-of-16 clash with AC Milan is potentially the biggest game of our season so far, as I think the Europa League is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s best chance of lifting some silverware this season.

There is everything to play for as the two heavyweights go into their last-16 decider all square.

I think it’s important for Ole to win a trophy this year, and if we can lift the Europa League, or FA Cup – ideally both – to go alongside a second-place finish in the Premier League, then I think that’s a fantastic season, and a real sign of progression. If I was offered that at the start of the campaign, I’d have snapped your hand off!

We haven’t finished in the top four in consecutive seasons since Fergie retired, so if we manage to achieve that this year, then that certainly is a step in the right direction.

The performance in the first leg at Old Trafford against the Italian giants wasn’t great, apart from a couple of moments here and there. However, it was brilliant to see January signing Amad Diallo grab his first goal for the club in that game. From what I’ve watched of the youngster so far, I like a lot.

But Milan grabbed that crucial away goal late on in injury-time, meaning United will have to score at the San Siro if they want to advance to the quarter-finals.

Ole has said he hopes to have David De Gea, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Donny van de Beek all back fit for the trip to Italy, so it sounds like it will be a stronger squad than the one that beat West Ham last weekend, which could be a key result in terms of the top four battle.

Heading into the game, Betfred have Milan 23/10 to win in 90 mins, United are 23/20 and the draw is 5/2.

United are second favourites to win the whole competition with Betfred at 4s, behind Spurs who are 7/2, favourites and ahead of Arsenal who are 5s.

Elsewhere, it’s exciting to see the return of rugby league, and more specifically, the Betfred Challenge Cup getting underway this week!

On Friday, Sheffield Eagles take on York City Knights before a whole host of fixtures over the weekend.

The 12 Betfred Super League clubs will join the competition at the third-round stage in April, but there’s a few familiar faces in action in the first-round ties, including seven-time winners Widnes and five-time winners Bradford.

In terms of the tournament outright, Betfred have Wigan and St Helens as joint-favourites at 7/2.

Behind them is Warrington at 9/2, then Leeds at 7s, and Catalans at 8s.

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