Europa League Preview : FK Partizan VS Manchester United
An Afternoon kick-off in Belgrade will see Manchester United take on FK Partizan in the Europa League group stage 3rd round.
Manchester United will be looking to get their European campaign back on track in Serbia after an uninspiring performance last time out saw them held in the Hague by Alkmaar. In many ways, a tougher match up awaits Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
All fans attending the game are advised to be vigilant, especially in the current climate as Partizan have a previous of being forced to play behind closed doors due to multiple counts of racism. Hopefully, the story of FK Partizan vs Manchester United isn’t overshadowed by a set of idiots in the stands.
How Do Manchester United Look?
Embed from Getty ImagesOle Gunnar Solskjaer did his press conference sitting alongside Harry Maguire. In the conference, the gaffer confirmed that David De Gea did not travel to the east of Europe as he is being rested for the weekend tie vs Norwich.
Paul Pogba’s injury has begun to raise eyebrows amongst the fanbase as the foot injury he had supposedly recovered from last week according to numerous reports is still keeping him out. Ole confirmed the Frenchman will not feature against Norwich and the Norwegian doesn’t know when he will return.
In more positive news, Jesse Lingard is set for a return to action against Partizan after a hamstring injury he picked up last time out kept him out for 3 weeks. Academy prospect Ethan Laird has trained and is likely to feature.
Opposition: FK Partizan
Embed from Getty ImagesFK Partizan Belgrade sit 5th in their domestic league. Just put that into perspective, their rivals Red Star are first, and were on the receiving end of a 5-0 defeat to a struggling Spurs side. That being said, the atmosphere tomorrow may have a big effect on our plyers.
Last time out in the Europa League, Partizan put 2 past FC Astana in an extremely balanced game, what we saw is a team that takes their chances. The star man in the Serbian side is undoubtedly Roma loanee Umar Sadiq. The 22-year-old centre-forward who has featured for the likes of Rangers and Bologna has been in good form in the Europa League with 2 goals in 2, a brace against FC Astana. The Nigerian has also contributed to one assist in the competition.
Key Stats: FK Partizan vs Manchester United
- Manchester United are unbeaten in 13 Europa League games.
- 1965-66 was the last time the two sides met in the semi-finals of the European cup – Partizan won at home 2-0 but lost at Old Trafford 1-0 which took them to the European cup final.
- Partizan are unbeaten in 11 home matches in European competition.
- United could fail to score for the third European away tie in a row for the first time in a run of 5 in 2005.
Again, hopefully at full time, we are not having to talk about racism and we can talk about a good game of football. More preferably a Manchester United win which will hopefully jumpstart our away form. Which is needed considering the run we wave in the next month.
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