When AC Milan demolished Manchester United in the Champions League in 2007 the gulf in class was there for all to see.

But three years on, the gap between the sides on that occasion was almost as wide as it is now – only there has been a complete reversal of fortunes.

 

Whereas Milan have failed to replace ageing stars such as Clarence Seedorf, Gennaro Gattuso and Alessandro Nesta – instrumental in their last victory against United – Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have grown in stature and young players who showed potential then are now fully realising it.

A depleted side protecting a fragile lead with a still maturing Wayne Rooney - who was rightly described as a lion that failed to roar in one Italian newspaper - were no match for the class and experience Milan possessed. However, that semi-final from three seasons ago has proven to be a catalyst for United’s resurgence in Europe.

Heavily scarred, United knew what they had to do to close the gap. Rooney has moved on to a different level, Cristiano Ronaldo put aside his petulance for a while and even the likes of Darren Fletcher – a passenger who looked lost in the 3-0 drubbing Milan dished out back then – has elevated himself to a plane many thought he would never reach.

With the help of their progress, United have responded to that 2007 lesson by winning the European Cup, reaching the final the following year and avenging that landmark defeat - by handing out their own punishment to the Serie A giants with interest.

Wednesday’s 4-0 thrashing – to win 7-2 on aggregate – was about as emphatic as it could get. And while it is not the greatest Milan team there has ever been, United had to overcome their mental blockage about facing them because prior to this season’s meeting, the Old Trafford club has always fallen short in four previous encounters.

The game was virtually over as a contest once Rooney scored the first but as United so often do, they refused to settle for what they had and put them to the sword.

It’s far from perfect for United, because they still conceded an awful lot of chances over the two legs and the ‘what if Rooney gets injured’ question still lurks menacingly behind them. But as long as Rooney is able to take to the field then nobody will want to face them in the quarter-finals.