Manchester United will look to boost their faltering Europa League campaign at Old Trafford when they take on Feyenoord on Thursday night.
Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United suffered a 2-1 loss at Fenerbahce in their last European match, which affected their hopes of qualification to the next rounds. The Old Trafford outfit is currently on the third place on the table with six points.
Feyenoord, with seven points to their credit, are on the second place behind group leaders Fenerbahce. Although they both have equal seven points, the Turkish side tops the group due to a better goal-difference.
The Dutch team has a better run of form than Manchester United, both in domestic as well as
European competitions. Feyenoord is on the summit of their domestic league table, and they are a point above Mourinho’s men in their Europa League group A.
When Feyenoord and Man Utd came across each other in the first leg, Feyenoord beat United 1-0 at their home.
KICK OFF
The match will be played at Old Trafford, Kick-off time 8:05 p.m. GMT/9:05 BST/1:35 IST.
TEAM NEWS
Manchester United – Jose Mourinho’s team is partly troubled by injury problems ahead of this clash.
Defender Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw will be watching the game from the stands as their respective injuries keep them out of the game. Mourinho’s midfield pillar Marouane Fellaini will also be unavailable for the selection due to his calf injury.
Eric Bailey hasn’t resumed training; a knee injury has kept him out of action for some time. His absence from the team may weaken the backline stability of Man United.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who missed the Saturday’s clash against Arsenal due to suspension, is likely to get a start in United’s lineup. His form has been incredible this season, and the Red Devils’ fan would love to see him in scoring sheet again.
Captain Wayne Rooney gave an impressive performance after coming off a bench against Arsenal. He may get a chance to start the match this time.
Feyenoord – Everything seems perfect for the Dutch team now as they currently lead their domestic league table. However, few injuries are of some concern for the manager, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst.
Defenders Terence Kongolo and Sven van Beek are ruled out of this game following their hamstring and foot injuries, respectively.
Kenneth Vermeer, although not a first choice goalkeeper for the team, will be unavailable for selection due to an Achilles injury.
Manchester United: Predicted Line-up (4-3-2-1)
De Gea – Valencia, Jones, Bailey, Rojo – Pogba, Herera – Mata, Rooney, Rashford – Ibrahimovic
Feyenoord: Predicted Line-up (4-3-3)
Jones – Van der Heijden, Nelom, Botteghin, Karsdorp – El Ahmadi, Kujit, Vilhena – Elia, Jorgensen, Toornstra
Man United vs. Feyenoord: Head-to-Head
Total game: One
Manchester United win: 0
Feyenoord win: One
Draw: 0
KEY STATS Manchester United has only won four out of 12 their matches in the Europa League.
The Red Devils hasn’t won a single away match in Europa League this season, their both wins came at the Old Trafford.
Feyenoord has lost only one match to leaders Fenerbahce in this year’s Europa League campaign.
There have been scored under 2.5 goals in Feyenoord’s last four Europa League matches.
PREDICTIONS
Manchester United desperately wants a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. This is one of the crucial matches for Mourinho’s men, where they will need to show their true quality. The Red Devils lost the previous match against Feyenoord 1-0, but they will look to overcome that misfortune.
A draw will keep the away side one point adrift of their counterparts, and a win will book their place in the knock-out round. Oozing confidence in Feyenoord players certainly will give Manchester United a tough time.They will try to win this match, and disappoint the home side.
Mourinho’s men look out of touch right now, but playing on their home soil might just ensure a victory this time.
Final Predicted Score: Manchester United 2-o Feyenoord
BETTING ODDS
Manchester United win: 4/11
A draw: 7/2
Feyenoord win: 8/1