Ighalo

Manchester United vs Club Brugge Preview, Possible XI & Prediction

Posted on by utdfirst

Old Trafford will host the 2nd leg of the Europa League round of 32 game against Club Brugge on Thursday. The 1st leg ended in a 1-1 draw at the Jan Breydel Stadium, meaning Manchester United have the all important away goal.

The 1st leg showed us that Brugge could definitely cause United problems, catching the defense out with lofted balls multiple times, and scoring their goal from a long goal kick which the United defenders were not prepared for.

United will likely field a pretty different side this time around against Brugge. It is pivotal for them to get into the next round and we will likely see a very strong side. Although United do need to be wary as they play Everton 3 days after.

After 81 minutes last week, Bruno Fernandes finally took to the pitch where he ran the show for the remainder of the game. He completed 100% of his passes and took 4 shots in the time he was on the pitch. After a goal and an assist against Watford on Sunday, it’s likely he will start on Thursday.

Martial has had a great past week, scoring a goal in each of the 3 games United played. Although, he could be one of the players who are rested, as Ighalo could slot in to make his full debut and give Martial a rest ahead of Everton.

Solskjaer has said that only Axel Tuenzebe and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are not fit for the match other than the obvious Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford. This is what Ole had to say about the squad:

“We’ve got a strong and fit 25-man squad and it was a good session. We’re looking stronger.”

This could mean the return of Scott McTominay to the lineup after he made an appearance from the bench against Watford.

Club Brugge will be looking to get their first win in a European match in England after not being able to in 12 previous attempts.

Whereas United will be looking to carry on their run of 12 unbeaten home Europa League matches.

The danger man for Manchester United will clearly be Bruno Fernandes, after he has picked up 3 MOTM’s in 3 starts for the Red Devils. He will likely be amongst the goals, scoring 5 in the tournament already.

For Brugge, The man who scored the goal in the first leg, Dennis, who caused United problems all night will be the one to watch. Dennis registered 3 shots on target and created 2 big chances for the Belgium side last Thursday. He will be looking to have a similar impact in Manchester.

Predicted XI

Romero will make his regular Europa League start, where he has kept 4 clean sheets in 5 appearances.

It will likely be a similar back 4 as against Watford, apart from Bailly being introduced. William’s had trouble against this opposition last week and will probably occupy the bench as Luke Shaw continues his good form.

McTominay will come into the midfield for Fred, giving him extra rest ahead of Everton, McTominay also is not match fit and not ready to start against opposition of Everton’s caliber.

Lingard and Andreas are unlikely to make the 11 after both having poor performances last Thursday, leaving James, Bruno and Mata. Greenwood will likely appear from the bench, and will most likely start against Everon on the weekend.

Ighalo will come in to make his first start for the club since joining, leaving Martial on the bench to come on if needed.

Game Prediction

Unlike in the away leg, United will be more solid defensively. They have 2 clean sheets in a row at home and will be looking to make it 3 in a row.

Bruno Ferndandes will dictate the game, and likely end up on the scoresheet again. He will also help Matic and McTominay to dominate the midfield battle.

Ighalo has missed his first 2 chances in a United shirt, and will be looking to change that. He will be full of fire and will have a solid performance.

Brugge will have good spells of positive attacking football but will not be able to sustain the pressure throughout.

Final Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Club Brugge

Manchester United vs Watford. Preview, potential XI and Prediction.

Posted on by utdfirst

Manchester United are looking to build momentum in the race for a Champions League place. Watford stand in their way – who were victorious last time the sides met at Vicarage Road.

Solskjaer’s men put out another below par performance against Club Brugge on Thursday. Although there were 6 changes to the side from the team which won at Stamford Bridge.

Martial started on Thursday and added another goal to his tally, making it 15 for the season. However, the Frenchman could drop to the bench due to starting 2 games in 4 days. This could mean that Odion Ighalo could get his first start for the Red Devils against his former side.

United have kept 2 clean sheets in a row in the League and are looking to make it 3 for the first time for just over a year (February 24th 2019). While Nigel Pearson is looking to be only the 4th English manager to complete the Premier League double over Manchester United.

Due to Sheffield United and Tottenham dropping points, a win would send United up to 5th, 3 points off the top 4. However, a win for Watford would lift them above the relegation zone. An important game for both sides.

Watford have 1 win in their last 5 Premier League games and have never won at Old Trafford in the Premier League. However United have won just 2 of their last 5.

Watford are likely to play a deep block which has caused Manchester United many troubles this season, but new signing Bruno Fernandes will give a different dynamic to United’s play. As well, Ighalo will offer something different up front for the Reds.

Scott McTominay could be in contention for the bench on Sunday. This is what Ole had to say about the midfielders recovery:

“I’m not surprised [he’s back so soon] because that’s the type he is,”

“He’s a physical specimen, he’s a leader. He never shirks a tackle and he brings everyone with him. He can sit with Nemanja and Fred or he could be one of the runners in midfield.”

Rashford and Pogba are still out, while Mason Greenwood is a doubt after he missed Thursdays game with illness.

Record signing Sarr could be in contention for a place in the Watford side, as well as right back Feminia as both have returned to full training this week.

These are the kinds of games United have been dropping points in, it is important that they change that and get the 3 points to put them in 5th, which is now a Champions League spot if Manchester City’s European ban isn’t lifted. It seems like every game, but this is another must win game for Manchester United.

Potential Starting XI

United will make multiple changes from their midweek Europa League match. The most important will be Bruno Fernandes coming into the 11 after showing how good he really is to United fans with his 15 minute cameo against Club Brugge.

David De Gea will return between the sticks for United after Romero’s usual stint in the Europa League.

As well, it is likely Ighalo makes the line up against his ex club. It will be interesting to see a different kind of player in the striker role.

Wan Bissaka, Fred and James will return to the line up after all being rested on Thursday.

It is likely that United will return to a 4231, moving Shaw out to left back as Brandon Williams looked like he needed a rest on Thursday.

Solskjaer mentioned that Bailly picked up a knock before the Club Brugge game, but was fit enough to be on the bench, so he could make a return to partner Maguire after a solid first game back from injury against Chelsea on Monday.

Mata could make the line up on the right, but mainly due to the fact that Mason Greenwood could still be out ill and that Lingard and Andreas are in poor form.

Prediction

It could be an exciting game for United fans as they get to see new signing Fernandes in a game where the Reds will likely dominate the possession of the ball, and against a weaker side. Usually this wouldn’t be an ideal situation, but it looks like Fernandes can unlock a defense, which could solve United’s problems.

Although, a strong defensive performance should be on the wish list for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as it was particularly poor on Thursday and although a clean sheet was kept against Chelsea, it was partly due to the help of VAR.

United have not scored at home for 2 games and the last time they went 3 without one was in May 200, however I will be expecting some goals.

Watford will be tough to break down, but I expect some individual brilliance from Fernandes or Mata to break the deadlock. Which will then allow United to play in a more open game.

Final Prediction: Manchester United 3 – 1 Watford