Europa League Preview: Granada vs Manchester United

Granda vs Manchester United | Europa League Quarter final 1st leg | Nuevo Los Carmenes | KO 20:00 GMT | BT Sport

Manchester United returned to winning ways at the weekend, beating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 in the Premier League, following the international break.

United went a goal behind before a second half comeback inspired by Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood secured them the three points, putting them in pole position to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Before they get there, however, The Reds have got the Europa League to contend with; it presents a huge opportunity for United to win their first trophy under the reign of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

On Thursday, the road to the final continues, when they travel to the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes to face Granada in the quarter-final first leg.

How do Manchester United Look?

Following his equalising goal against Brighton at the weekend, Marcus Rashford was withdrawn with an injury, but is expected to be available for selection, either as a substitute or a starter in the match.

Embed from Getty Images

On Rashford, United boss Solskjaer said “Marcus is okay-ish. He’s trained this morning. He’s available to be selected, as I said, either as a sub or a starter”.

Juan Mata has missed the last couple of matches due to the passing of his mother but is back in training and may be involved in his native country.

Alex Telles has stepped his recovery up following his injury but is unlikely to displace Luke Shaw in the starting eleven.

Eric Bailly tested positive for COVID-19 last week, so is isolating away from the squad.

“He needs a negative test before he can come back to us. It’ll take the time that it takes unfortunately. Hopefully, Eric is still feeling okay. The last time I spoke to him, he was alright” said the boss.

Embed from Getty Images

Dean Henderson appears to be United’s new number one and has started the last few matches, so logic would dictate that David de Gea is now the ‘cup goalkeeper’ and will start against Granada.

Anthony Martial and Phil Jones are expected to be out for the rest of the season.

Opposition: Granada

Embed from Getty Images

Diego Martinez’s side knocked out Molde 4-1 on aggregate in the last round of the Europa League, a side they were expected to beat, but managed to eliminate Napoli in the round before, so have shown that they have what it takes to overcome the odds.

Luis Milla, Alberto Soro and Neyder Lozano are all expected to be out for the Spanish side, but former Tottenham forward Roberto Soldado will likely start in attack.