Manchester United vs Rangers

The stakes are at an all-time high for Manchester United ahead of their must-win UEFA Europa League encounter against Rangers at Old Trafford.

Manchester United’s humiliating Premier League campaign hit a new low last weekend as Brighton thumped them 3-1 at Old Trafford, condemning Ruben Amorim to his sixth defeat in 11 top-flight games in charge of the club (W3, D2). Despite Amorim’s lackluster results in domestic football, the Red Devils have been in scintillating form in Europe, winning their last three Europa League games, including two under his stewardship, to maintain an unbeaten league-phase record (W3, D2). Furthermore, they’ve only lost once in 27 home matches in Europe’s second-tier competition since March 2012 (W20, D6). Therefore, Amorim should look forward to this encounter as he bids to become only the third permanent Man Utd manager to win their first three European fixtures in the dugout. 

However, Rangers will likely give their more esteemed hosts a run for their money as they head into proceedings having won their last three competitive outings via multi-goal margins. Philippe Clement’s men are aware an unlikely win at Old Trafford would see them leapfrog their upcoming rivals into the top eight, with only a point separating the sides before the kickoff. However, the Gers have struggled for consistency, alternating between drawing (2) and winning (2) in four Europa League games since a 4-1 home loss to Lyon on matchday two. As if that’s not troubling enough, Rangers have only won one of their eight previous away clashes against English opponents, with that lone success coming in 1992/93 against Leeds United (D2, L5).