Manchester United vs Rangers – Match Preview & Prediction

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Team News

Manchester United remain without the services of Luke Shaw (calf), Mason Mount (thigh), Victor Lindelof (unspecified), and Jonny Evans (muscle), all of whom continue their recovery from injuries. Marcus Rashford has been absent for the last nine matches since featuring in the Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12. His future at the club remains uncertain, and it is likely that he will not feature in Amorim’s plans. Meanwhile, Antony is reportedly close to securing a loan move to Real Betis, further reducing his chances of involvement. Lisandro Martinez and Rasmus Hojlund were both left out of the starting lineup last weekend, but could return to the fold at the expense of Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee.

For Rangers, Dujon Sterling (foot), John Souttar, Oscar Cortes (both unspecified), Neraysho Kasanwirjo (knee), and former Man United player Tom Lawrence (knock) remain sidelined due to injury. Mohamed Diomande will miss the match due to suspension after accumulating three yellow cards in the League Phase. Rafael Fernandes, who recently joined Rangers on loan from Lille, is ineligible for the competition, alongside Ianis Hagi, Rabbi Matondo, and Clinton Nsiala. Rangers head coach Philippe Clement faces a decision on whether to start Liam Kelly or Jack Butland in goal, with the latter having recovered from a spell of internal bleeding. Midfielder Nicolas Raskin, who has won possession more than any other player in this season’s Europa League (48), is expected to feature alongside Connor Barron. Hamza Igamane, who has scored four goals in his last four Europa League games, could also be recalled.

Form Guide

Manchester United’s disappointing run continues, with just three Premier League victories from their last 11 matches. Head coach Ruben Amorim’s frustration was evident after the team’s 3-1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, a result which led him to describe the team as “maybe the worst” in the club’s 147-year history, a remark he later regretted. Bruno Fernandes’ first-half penalty was the only shot on target for United, and a mistake from goalkeeper Andre Onana, his fourth of the season leading to a goal, allowed Georginio Rutter to score Brighton’s third.

Currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League, United’s hopes of securing European football next season are rapidly diminishing, with 11 points separating them from the top seven. However, their Europa League campaign offers a glimmer of hope, with United in a strong position to secure an automatic spot in the last 16, sitting inside the top eight, one point ahead of ninth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, with two games remaining.

On the other hand, Rangers’ form has improved under Clement, with the team winning their last three matches by a combined score of 11-1. Despite sitting 13 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, Rangers are in a good position to qualify for the last 16 in the Europa League, currently holding a top-eight position and four points clear of the elimination zone. Their final two fixtures against Manchester United and Union SG will be pivotal.

Predicted Outcome

A victory for either side would greatly enhance their chances of automatic qualification for the last 16. Amorim could become just the third Manchester United manager after Sir Matt Busby (1956) and Sir Alex Ferguson (1990) to win his first three European matches in charge of the club.  We predict Manchester United will get a 1-0 win against Rangers this time out.

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