Tonight, Manchester United host Rangers at Old Trafford in what will be their second to last match of the UEFA Europa League group stage.
Sitting in seventh place on the Europa League table with 12 points in six matches, Man United find themselves on the verge of securing automatic qualification for the knockout rounds. Still, with Rangers in eighth position and trailing Rubem Amorim’s squad by a single point, a win will provide a major boost to his team’s hopes of progressing without needing to contest in the playoffs.
Rangers have been in fine form as of late, scoring 15 goals and conceding five in their last five matches in all competitions.
While their opponents have been of a much lower calibre than United, for example, Fraserburgh F.C. and St. Johnstone, such results still show the Scottish side’s great team chemistry – something that United often lacks.
On the continental stage, Rangers have held their own. They managed to hold on for a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, who dumped Amorim’s team out of the Carabao Cup, while also defeating INEOS’s other team, OGC Nice, 4-1 away from home.
Given Rangers’ inferior status and United’s potential performance ceiling, it seems as if the match is United’s to lose, particularly in front of the Old Trafford crowd.
In their match against Spurs, Rangers showed quick bursts of attacking action, both in the minutes leading up to the half-time break and the early stages of the second half when Hamza Igamane grabbed the opener. They also ramped up their offensive efforts near the end of the match after Spurs grabbed an equaliser.
What this shows is that Rangers are a team that battles for the full 90 minutes, never taking their foot off the gas. Despite only having 41% possession, Rangers took a total of 15 shots, eclipsing Spurs’ 12 attempts on goal.
Rangers were particularly impressive against Nice, showing that same high work rate and refusing to let up even after taking the lead. It was this resilience that saw them grab three goals in just 13 minutes leading up to the half-time break.
Yet again, they had less possession than their opponents (46% to 54%) yet still took 14 shots, showing that they are a side that puts in a massive attacking effort whenever they grab a hold of the ball.
This could pose a major challenge to United, whose defence has been leaking goals nonstop.
As we saw in the 3-1 loss to Brighton last weekend, defending from set pieces remains a massive concern. Had it not been for a VAR intervention, the visitors would have been 4-1 winners.
That being said, all of Brighton’s awarded goals came from quick counter-attacks whereby the United defence appeared slow and dishevelled, struggling to stay on their marks.
This defensive vulnerability could prove to be the issue that stands in the way of victory this evening.
Attacking has not been a problem under Ruben Amorim. Despite an earlier goal drought, United have improved in front of goal, scoring seven times in the past five matches in all competitions, which included elite opponents including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle United.
Still, defence remains a massive concern.
With Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro predicted to lead the back line and Tyrell Malacia and Diogo Dalot seemingly poised to start as wing-backs, optimal concentration will be necessary.
Whether Maguire and Yoro start or Matthijs De Ligt leads the defence, they will need to make use of their height to win those crucial aerial battles and at least begin to change United’s fortunes when defending set pieces.
Casemiro would certainly be a key asset at the middle of the park, with his physicality and ability to defend, yet an alternative such as Manuel Ugarte could also prove highly competent in this regard. Whoever starts, it will be vital for United to dominate the midfield while remaining alert at the back, especially given Rangers’ knack for breaking quickly and taking lots of shots even when they see less of the ball.
Ultimately, by ensuring that his back three improve in their aerial game while also slotting in a powerful central midfielder in support, Amorim could ensure that his team have a solid advantage against a team that is used to inferior opposition.
A triumph would certainly provide the United fanbase a reason to celebrate, particularly after the club’s turbulent run of games recently. Of course, progression in the Europa League will also be warmly received.
Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
