Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has leapt to the defence of his former club, insisting AC Milan do not need to be completely rebuilt following their dismal 4-0 defeat at Manchester United.

Milan have come in for heavy criticism in both Italy and England after their disastrous Champions League showing, with many labelling the team as old and past it.

However, Ancelotti, who left the San Siro for Stamford Bridge last summer following eight years in charge of the Serie A side, believes the situation is not as bleak as is being made out.

"Milan had the misfortune of facing Manchester United, a team of great quality and who are in a brilliant moment of form," he told Sky Italia.

"Besides, they were also missing important players like (Alexandre) Pato and (Alessandro) Nesta.

"There are youngsters who are coming through such as Pato, Thiago Silva, (Ignazio) Abate and (Luca) Antonini.

"Milan are a squad who certainly, like all sides, need some additions, but they are not a team that needs to be reformed."