Manchester United v AC Milan: Will Fergie's favourites pay the penalty?

Looking at the upcoming semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, it's easy to think it's just another round of the Premiership. With three teams hailing from there, there is a definitive English club feel to the round.

Limping into the final stretch of the season, with defenders seemingly falling by the wayside every game, Manchester United have had to rely on outstanding performances from the rest of their playing corps to stay in contention for another possible Treble. A generous slice of luck by way of refereeing decisions has helped as well.

Whereas Michael Carrick's step up from quiet midfield maestro to goalscoring hero has been timely, the refusal of penalty awards to the opposition in United's last two Premiership outings is every bit as significant. The decision not to award a penalty at Sheffield United when Gabriel Heinze took out Luton Shelton may have had no outcome on the game - but John O'Shea's upending of Dong Lee against Middlesbrough should have denied Sir Alex Ferguson's men even a point.

Contrast those two games with their elimination of Boro over two legs in the FA Cup. Whereas the penalty given for Jonathan Woodgate's challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo in the second leg was arguable, the spot-kick awarded for George Boateng's handball in the first leg was farcical. Make no mistake, as good as United have been this season, their Treble charge should really have been contention for a league and Champions' League double.