On Thursday night, Old Trafford sets the stage for a high-stakes Battle of Britain as Manchester United host Rangers in the Europa League. Both teams are vying for a top-eight finish in the 36-team table, with United currently in seventh place and Rangers just one point behind in eighth.
Manchester United’s recent form has been anything but encouraging. Head coach Ruben Amorim didn’t hold back after their disheartening 3-1 defeat to Brighton last weekend, labeling his squad as “maybe the worst” in the club’s storied 147-year history. Bruno Fernandes’ first-half penalty was United’s only shot on target, while another costly mistake by goalkeeper Andre Onana, his fourth this season leading to a goal, sealed their fate.
With just three Premier League wins in their last 11 games, the Red Devils are languishing in 13th place, far removed from European qualification through league standings. They trail the top seven by 11 points and are just 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
However, the Europa League presents a glimmer of hope. United remain unbeaten in the competition this season and are on course for an automatic last-16 spot. A narrow 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen last month kept them in the top eight, but with Tottenham breathing down their necks, every point counts. Historically, United have dominated Rangers, winning three of their four previous encounters and keeping a clean sheet in all of them.
For Rangers, the spotlight is also on manager Philippe Clement, who has been under pressure to deliver results. Following a rough patch of just two wins in eight matches, Clement has sparked a turnaround. Rangers have won their last three games with an aggregate score of 11-1, including a commanding 5-0 Scottish Cup victory over Fraserburgh, where Cyriel Dessers bagged a hat-trick.
Domestically, Rangers sit 13 points adrift of rivals Celtic, but their Europa League campaign is looking more promising. They hold onto eighth place, four points clear of the elimination zone, with matches against United and Union SG remaining. Their last European outing ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Spurs.
Rangers’ record on English soil, however, doesn’t inspire much confidence. The Glaswegians have managed just one win in their last eight European away games against English teams, a 2-1 victory over Leeds United in the 1992-93 Champions League qualifiers.
With both sides desperate to secure their spots in the next stage, Thursday’s clash promises intensity and high stakes. For United, it’s a chance to restore pride in a tumultuous season; for Rangers, it’s an opportunity to show they can compete on the European stage.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Manchester United will be without four players as they continue to recover from injuries. Luke Shaw (calf), Mason Mount (thigh), Victor Lindelof (unspecified), and Jonny Evans (muscle) all remain sidelined.
Marcus Rashford has missed the last nine matches since featuring in the Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12, and is expected to remain absent amidst uncertainty surrounding his future. Antony is also unlikely to play, with reports suggesting he is on the verge of a loan move to Real Betis.
Centre-back Lisandro Martinez and striker Rasmus Hojlund were both left out of the starting lineup last weekend but could return in place of Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee, respectively.
For Rangers, Dujon Sterling (foot), John Souttar, Oscar Cortes (both unspecified), Neraysho Kasanwirjo (knee), and former Man United player Tom Lawrence (knock) are all unavailable. Mohamed Diomande is also suspended after picking up three yellow cards in the League Phase.
Rafael Fernandes has joined Rangers on loan from Lille, but he is ineligible to play in the competition at this stage. Former United loanee Jack Butland is doubtful, despite returning to training after a spell on the sidelines due to 'internal bleeding.'
Nicolas Raskin, who has won possession more than any other player in this season's Europa League (48), is expected to start in central midfield alongside Connor Barron. Hamza Igamane, who has scored four goals in his last four Europa League matches, may be brought back into the starting XI in place of Cyriel Dessers.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Eriksen, Ugarte, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes; Hojlund
Rangers possible starting lineup:
Kelly; Tavernier, Propper, Balogun, Jefte; Barron, Raskin; Cerny, Bajrami, Yilmaz; Igamane
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester United 2-2 Rangers
A win for either team would greatly improve their chances of securing an automatic spot in the last 16. If United triumph, Amorim could join Sir Matt Busby (1956) and Sir Alex Ferguson (1990) as only the third manager in club history to win his first three European matches in charge.
However, given their recent form, especially at Old Trafford, Manchester United could struggle once again against a revitalized Rangers side, who may well find a way to come away with a point in Manchester.
