Man Utd vs Rangers | Europa League | League Stage | Pre Match
Man Utd vs Rangers
Manchester United can briefly put their Premier League struggles to the back of their minds when they take on Rangers in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday – though they don’t have much room for manoeuvre in that competition either. The Red Devils are navigating a tumultuous season, with their domestic performances drawing much scrutiny and criticism. While the Europa League provides a fleeting respite from the intense scrutiny of the Premier League, the stakes remain high as United aim to secure a spot in the knockout stages of Europe's secondary club competition.
United find themselves in a difficult moment. Although commendable draws away to Liverpool in the Premier League and at Arsenal in the FA Cup – which was followed by a win on penalties – earlier this month seemed to hint at their potential under Ruben Amorim, performances otherwise haven’t been convincing. These results were isolated glimmers of hope in a season that has largely been underwhelming. The team has shown flashes of quality, but consistency has been elusive, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the direction under the new management. The draws against top teams like Liverpool and Arsenal were seen as signs of resilience but also highlighted the team's struggle to convert good performances into consistent wins.
Only a very late Amad Diallo hat-trick bailed United out amid a dreadful display at home to rock-bottom Southampton in the league last Thursday, before they were comfortably beaten 3-1 at Old Trafford by Brighton at the weekend. This sequence of results paints a picture of a team that is not just struggling but is also showing signs of disarray. The Southampton match was particularly telling, as it required a heroic effort from Diallo to salvage any point from what was otherwise a lackluster performance. The defeat against Brighton further underscored the fragility of United's defense and the team's inability to maintain form, raising questions about both strategy and player motivation.
That result was followed by Amorim suggesting this was “the worst team, maybe, in the history of Manchester United” – it was a bit of an exaggeration but managed to highlight how incredible their current situation is in the context of their past success in the Premier League era. Manchester United's history is filled with glory, with numerous league titles and European triumphs. This sharp contrast to their current standing not only adds pressure on the players but also on the management to turn things around. Amorim’s statement, though hyperbolic, was a stark acknowledgment of the challenges they face, reflecting on the club's storied past against its present struggles.
A return to Europa League action on Thursday might provide a welcome distraction, potentially even an opportunity for Amorim to shuffle his team somewhat with no new injury absences to add to the existing issues facing Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Victor Lindelöf, and Jonny Evans. The Europa League could serve as a platform for some squad players to prove their worth. It also offers a chance for the first team to regain some confidence in a less pressured environment compared to the Premier League. However, the absence of key players due to injuries continues to be a significant hurdle, limiting tactical flexibility and depth.
It remains to be seen whether Marcus Rashford, who United are trying to offload this month, will be involved, while Tyrell Malacia and Antony are both supposedly close to agreeing loan moves away. Rashford's potential involvement or departure adds another layer of complexity to United's strategy. His form has been inconsistent, and his future at the club seems uncertain, which could affect team morale and dynamics. Similarly, the potential exits of Malacia and Antony might disrupt the squad's cohesion, although it could also provide opportunities for younger or less-used players to step up.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is unlikely to be rested, however, and if he does play, it’ll be his 50th appearance in the competition. He has 37 goals and assists combined in the Europa League (20 goals, 17 assists), second only to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (40 – 34 goals, 6 assists) in its entire history. Fernandes's involvement is crucial, not just for his on-field contributions but also for his leadership. His milestone appearance in the competition is a testament to his reliability and impact, providing a beacon of hope in an otherwise turbulent season.
While United’s situation in the Europa League isn’t quite as hairy as in the Premier League, they have only a one-point cushion in the automatic knockout qualification spots. And it’s also worth considering their form on the whole has arguably worsened since they were last in European action, in a late and unconvincing 2-1 win at Viktoria Plzen on 12 December. This precarious position in the Europa League standings means every match is critical, and the game against Rangers is no exception. United's recent form suggests that they cannot take any match for granted, even against teams they might traditionally expect to beat.
They also had to do things the hard way in Amorim’s first Europa League game in charge, as United came from 2-1 down to beat Norway’s Bodø/Glimt on 28 November. This match was a microcosm of United’s season — a mix of struggle and resilience. It showcased the team's ability to fight back when down but also their tendency to make games harder than necessary, which might be the defining narrative of their campaign.
Rangers head into the game in better form than their hosts. While manager Philippe Clement has come under pressure in recent times, they’ve won each of their past three games in all competitions, and their seven-match unbeaten run has also included a 3-0 defeat of Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic. Rangers are coming into this match with momentum, showing they can handle pressure and perform under the spotlight. Their recent results suggest a team that is finding form at the right time, which could make this encounter particularly challenging for Manchester United.
Sat eighth in the Europa League table, the final automatic last-16 qualification spot, Rangers are just a point and a place behind United with two games left. A defeat for either side at this point may ultimately be costly, as they would then likely have to contest a play-off for a place in the last 16. The stakes couldn't be higher; a loss here could mean the difference between a direct qualification and the additional stress of a playoff, which neither team would relish.
While Rangers do not appear to have any new absences, several players won’t travel. Tom Lawrence is out with a hamstring injury and therefore not expected to face his former club. Jack Butland is another former United player who is likely to miss out. Danilo and Ianis Hagi are ineligible, while Óscar Cortés is unlikely to feature after missing out at the weekend with a “small injury”. These absences could disrupt Rangers' usual lineup, but it also means that those stepping in will be eager to prove themselves, adding an unpredictable element to the match.
Man Utd can at least draw some confidence from positive omens. For starters, they are unbeaten in all four of their prior meetings with Rangers, keeping a clean sheet on each occasion (W3 D1). This historical advantage might provide a psychological boost, though past performances are no guarantee of future results, especially given United's up-and-down form.
Similarly, Rangers have won just one of their eight away games against English sides in all European competition (D2 L5), beating Leeds United 2-1 in the second round of the 1992-93 UEFA Champions League. They did earn a 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham on MD 6 of this season’s Europa League. This record indicates Rangers might struggle away from home, particularly against historically stronger English sides, which could tilt the scales in United's favor despite their current form.
As underwhelming as United have been this season, they’ll be favourites here. However, being the favorite in this context is more about historical precedence and less about current form. The match against Rangers is not just about securing a win but also about regaining some pride and proving to their fans and critics alike that they can still compete at a high level. The Europa League might just be the stage where Manchester United can begin to turn their season around, or it could further expose their vulnerabilities. Only time will tell.
