Manchester United vs FC Sheriff Preview: Kick-off time, TV Channel, Team News and Score Prediction

Manchester United will look to carry their impressive displays into the Europa League as they welcome FC Sheriff to Old Trafford.

The top spot in Group E is still up for grabs and United have to take maximum points from their next two to ensure direct passage into the Round of 16. Real Sociedad currently sit first in the group with United set to travel to San Sebastian next week. However, should United lose vs Sheriff and Sociedad pick up maximum points on their trip to Omonia, United will have to settle for 2nd in the group, and play off against one of the Champions League dropouts.

Competition: Europe League
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick Off: 20:00 UK Time
Channel: BT Sport

How do Manchester United Look?

The Red Devils’ recent performances have shown that Erik ten Hag’s training methods are starting to set in amongst the squad.

In United’s last game against Chelsea, the team showed encouraging signs, particularly in the first half as they dominated The Blues at Stamford Bridge and were unlucky to go into the break at 0-0. The second half was scrappy and a late goal from Casemiro was needed to salvage a point.

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The Brazilian has been a growing influence in the team over the last few games with his ball-winning and incisive passing becoming integral to United’s play.

Ten Hag hasn’t rotated much in the Europa League so far and with United chasing the top spot in the group, another full-strength lineup could be on the cards. Youngsters such as Alejandro Garnacho and Zidane Iqbal will still be expected to be part of the squad.

Raphael Varane suffered a hamstring injury last time out against Chelsea and is expected to be sidelined until the World Cup. Anthony Martial is also still out with an injury.

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Cristiano Ronaldo has been welcomed back into the squad this week after his public display of frustration against Spurs saw him banished from the first-team. Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have also all been back in training this week.

Opponents: FC Sheriff

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Last year Sheriff Tiraspol took all three points against Real Madrid in a 2-1 shock victory at the Bernabeu and will be hoping to achieve a similar feat at Old Trafford tomorrow. The 20-time Moldovan Champions are currently without a manager as their head coach Stjepan Tomas handed in his resignation after his first defeat in charge.

The danger men for FC Sheriff will be the Nigerian attacking duo of Ibrahim Akanbi and Iyayi Atiemwen. Both forwards joined the club in the summer and have proved to be great additions to the squad. Akanbi leads the club’s scoring charts with five goals and Atiemwen is not far behind him, chipping in with three goals so far this season.

Key Stats

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Manchester United are undefeated in their last six games in all competitions.

FC Sheriff have won 18 of the last 20 Moldovan Super Liga titles

Prediction

United’s Europa League campaign has not been as comfortable as one might have thought when the draw was made. United failed to win against Sociedad and struggled to beat Omonia Nicosia home and away but with their good form and FC Sheriff’s managerial situation they should be able to take all three points. Last time out against FC Sheriff the side cruised to a 2-0 victory and more of the same will be expected here, especially with the home advantage.

Manchester United 3-0 FC Sheriff

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