An all-British clash awaits at Old Trafford as Manchester United host Rangers in a crucial Europa League league phase match on Thursday night. Both teams are in the top eight of the standings, but with just one point separating them, this game is pivotal for their ambitions of securing automatic progression to the round of 16.
While Manchester United will aim to bounce back from their disappointing Premier League loss to Brighton, Rangers are battling injuries but remain dangerous, especially after their recent dominant performances in Scotland.
Match Details
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
- Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- Referee: Erik Lambrechts (BEL)
- VAR: Bram Van Driessche (BEL)
Head-to-Head Record (All Competitions)
- Man Utd Wins: 3
- Rangers Wins: 0
- Draws: 1
- Last Meeting: Rangers 0-1 Man Utd (November 24, 2010) – Champions League
Current Form (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
| Manchester United | Rangers |
|---|---|
| Man Utd 1-3 Brighton | Rangers 5-0 Fraserburgh |
| Man Utd 3-1 Southampton | Rangers 3-0 Aberdeen |
| Arsenal 1-1 (3-5p) Man Utd | Rangers 3-1 St. Johnstone |
| Liverpool 2-2 Man Utd | Dundee 1-1 Rangers |
| Man Utd 0-2 Newcastle | Hibernian 3-3 Rangers |
Team News
Manchester United
United’s injury concerns persist, with several key players unavailable:
- Out: Victor Lindelöf, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount remain sidelined.
- Available: Lisandro Martinez is expected to return to the starting lineup, while Rasmus Højlund could lead the attack after Joshua Zirkzee started against Brighton.
- Bench Options: Alejandro Garnacho is likely to feature as a substitute amid ongoing transfer speculation.
Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Dalot, Eriksen, Ugarte, Malacia; Amad, Fernandes; Højlund.
Rangers
Rangers are grappling with significant squad depletion:
- Out: Mohamed Diomande (suspension), Ianis Hagi, Rabbi Matondo, Clinton Nsiala, and Rafael Fernandes (ineligible).
- Doubtful: Jack Butland, Tom Lawrence, John Souttar, Dujon Sterling, and Oscar Cortes.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Kelly; Tavernier, Propper, Balogun, Jefte; Barron, Raskin; Cerny, Bajrami, Yilmaz; Igamane.
Key Matchups
- Bruno Fernandes vs. Rangers’ Midfield
Fernandes will look to exploit gaps in Rangers’ depleted midfield, using his creativity and vision to dictate play. - James Tavernier vs. Marcus Rashford/Amad Diallo
Tavernier’s ability to balance defensive duties with his attacking contributions down the right flank will be critical for Rangers. - Rasmus Højlund vs. Rangers’ Defense
Højlund’s physicality and movement will test Rangers’ makeshift backline, particularly with key defensive absentees.
Score Prediction
Despite their vulnerabilities, Manchester United should have enough quality to edge out Rangers. The visitors’ injury-hit squad and poor away form will likely prove too much to overcome, even against an inconsistent United side.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Rangers
FAQs
1. What’s at stake for both teams?
Both teams are competing for a spot in the Europa League round of 16. A win for United would strengthen their hold on a top-eight position, while Rangers need a positive result to keep their automatic qualification hopes alive.
2. Who are the key players to watch?
- Man Utd: Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Højlund.
- Rangers: James Tavernier and Nicolas Raskin.
3. What’s the recent form of both teams?
United have been inconsistent, with just two wins in their last five games. Rangers, despite their domestic struggles, are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions.
4. Where is the match being played?
The match will take place at Old Trafford in Manchester, England.
5. Who is likely to win?
Manchester United are slight favorites due to their home advantage and Rangers’ injury issues.
