Manchester United’s hectic schedule continues with the first-leg of their Europa League semi-final with Celta Vigo.
Jose Mourinho has made it clear – this competition is the priority. He’s figured that the path it provides to Champions League qualification is easier to tread than the one via the top four.
So expect Manchester United to put everything that they can into this.
Ahead of the tie, here’s some info you really should know.
It’s a big game for…
Marcus Rashford. Since the terrible injury suffered by Zlatan Ibrahimovic it’s fallen on the young shoulders of Rashford to step up. So far he’s been delivering. He scored the extra-time winner against Anderlecht in the previous round of the Europa League and he’s looked as lively as any Manchester United player in the subsequent games. If he can continue his strong form, and find an away goal, he can be a key player.
Likely line-ups…
Celta Vigo have few issues with Giuseppe Rossi out and Ruben Blanco and Carles Planas doubtful. It means that two players who used to be on the books of Manchester United’s biggest rivals can take their place in the XI. John Guidetti, formerly of Man City, and Iago Aspas, once of Liverpool, will be the home side’s biggest threats at the Estadio Municipal de Balaidos.
Manchester United have many more problems. Definitely out are Marcos Rojo, Tim Fosu-Mensah, Ibrahimovic and Luke Shaw. Many others are touch-and-go. Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Paul Pogba all featured in training ahead of Thursday’s tie, but all are big doubts. Juan Mata though should be fit.
If you memorise one stat, memorise this…
Celta Vigo have lost their last three matches since coming through their quarter-final tie against Genk. Not exactly blistering form.
Last time they met…
These sides have never played before – so Thursday will be a step into the unknown. Manchester United have been frequent, if not often successful, visitors to Spain however. In 22 matches in Spain the Red Devils have won just twice.
Metro.co.uk prediction…
Manchester United are a vastly superior team to Celta Vigo, even with their current injury problems.
The three-time Champions League winners are preparing to take on a side that currently sit 11th in La Liga and who have been woefully out of form in recent weeks. Their best players, in the shape of Aspas and Guidetti, are ones who couldn’t cut it in the Premier League.
However, United have struggled to convince on their travels in Europe this season. They lost away to Fenerbahce and Feyenoord in the group stage and drew 1-1 with Anderlecht in the last round.
That, coupled with their injury concerns, might see United struggle to come away with a win. However they should be good enough to stop Celta Vigo winning what is the biggest game in the Spanish club’s history.
Prediction: Celta Vigo 1 Manchester United 1
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