Manchester United take on obscure opponents in the form of Danish Champions FC Midtjylland in the Round of 32 of Europa League today. The English giants find themselves playing in the second tier of European football after they finished third in their Champions League game, while the Danes got through the Europa League group stages after getting beaten by APOEL Nicosia in the third round of Champions League qualifying stages.
United come on the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Sundeland, which is their second loss in 10 games and they are rooted at the 5th spot in the Premier League table.
UNITED TEAM NEWS:
Wayne Rooney seems to be the latest player to have joined the seemingly never-ending list of players injured for Manchester United, one which already has Matteo Darmian, Marcus Rojo, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Marouane Fellaini, Antonio Valencia, Adnan Januzaj and Ashley Young. Several media houses have already reported that the United captain could be out for as long as two months with a knee injury reportedly sustained in training.
STAT ATTACK:
• These two sides are facing each other only for the first time
• Midtjylland’s record in four games against English sides is W2 D1 L1 (W1 D0 L1 at home – W1 D1 L0 in England). They have done something that Van Gaal would love, they beat Koeman’s Southampton side 2-1 on aggregate early this season.
• United’s six encounters with Danish teams have ended W4 D1 L1 (W2 D1 L0 at home – W2 D0 L1 in Denmark).
• Midtjylland are without a victory in four European games (D1 L3).
• The Red Devils did not win a single away game in the Champions League in the 2015/16 season (D1 L2). They are also on a 3 game losing streak in the Europa League.
• United last competed in the UEFA Europa League in 2011/12, reaching the round of 16.
UNITED PREDICTED LINEUP (4-2-3-1):
David De Gea
The Goalkeeper will look to overcome his not-so-classy performance at the Stadium Of Light.
Donald Love – Chris Smalling- Daley Blind- Borthwick Jackson
While the two young fullbacks were very good last weekend, yet their experienced centre backs were not at all so. The defensive unit needs to buckle up in order to nullify a pacey Danish attack.
Michael Carrick – Maroune Fellaini
The two central midfielders will be given the responsibility of maintaining the fluidity of passing as well as breaking down all counter attacks.
Jesse Lingard- Juan Mata – Anthony Martial
These three must be at their very best as they will have to break down a Midtjylland team looking to park the bus.
Will Keane
This game could be the moment Keane finally announces his arrival at the big stage, and one hopes he finally delivers since Rooney will probably be out for a while now.
