However, there can be no better way to respond than taking on the European champions – and Wenger remains confident his young squad have both the temperament and talent to produce a result which to defend at the San Siro in a fortnight’s time.

“We want to continue to be guided by the way we play football more than having a reaction,” said Wenger.

“Sometimes you forget how good you are when you have a big disappointment.

“Who wouldn’t be hurt by a defeat like that? The players were hurt and disappointed as well.

“We want to be the best possible, but it was a bad day at the office and that can happen.

“This is such a big game, such a massive task, that we can forget about Saturday.

“Everybody is up for this game and focused on the way we want to play.

“It is the ultimate test for us, because we are in the position of challengers tomorrow.

“Milan are the Champions League holders. They have quality and experience.

“We are a team who can challenge them and can beat them – but we all know we need to be at our best to beat them.”

Wenger declared: “What is important is that we play without the handbrake on and go into the match with desire.

“We have to play free of pressure and I believe we will do that.

“We can express our talents in a game of this magnitude. I believe we will do that.”

Despite their comprehensive defeat at the hands of United, the Gunners remain in the driving seat in the race for the Barclays Premier League title, with a lead of some five points.

Wenger believes the disappointing result could actually have a positive effect.

“Elimination on Saturday clarifies things very well. The targets in front of us are massive, but they’re in front of us,” he said.

“We are in a very good position. Now it’s down to quality.

“We are playing against the best. Milan have shown they have a great record in this competition and they are consistent in this competition, so this is a good chance to show our quality.

“We first of all owe everybody a good performance – and the fans most of all. They were magnificent in Manchester.

“I believe as well that our players, throughout the season, have given a lot of joy to our fans.”

Arsenal were anything but their usual cohesive self at Old Trafford, notably at the back where central defensive partners William Gallas and Kolo Toure – just back from the African Nations Cup – looked at times as if they had never played together.

Wenger accepts there will be little margin for error in what is now a straight knockout over two legs.

“You play more with pressure not to make a stupid mistake. Every goal now can be decisive, which is not the case in the group stage,” he said.

“This is a cup competition now, where was before, it was a championship competition.”

Jens Lehmann will continue in goal tomorrow, as Manuel Almunia battles back to fitness from a virus.

Milan have something of a keeper crisis, with Zeljko Kalac a major doubt because of a dislocated finger.

With regular number one Dida already out with a back injury, 38-year-old Valerio Fiori is likely to be thrown into the thick of the action, even though he has not played in an official match for the Rossoneri since December 18 2003.

Wenger, though, is not reading too much into team selection.

He insisted: “To beat Milan, you have to be at your best. Can we take any advantage of a weakness in their team? I don’t go into the match thinking about that.”

Wenger added: “I don’t believe we are favourites because Milan have such an outstanding record in his competition.

“Their average age is older, but that can be an advantage as well. You saw last season that the player who made the difference most of the time was Kaka.

“You don’t look at the passport too much – I like that idea at my age – but look at the quality. Super quality dies a little bit later.”