Manchester United vs Anderlecht – UEFA Europa League – Preview

Posted on April 20, 2017 by Sreya

Manchester United vs Anderlecht – Manchester United hosts Anderlecht at the Old Trafford on 20th April, Thursday in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie.

The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw and has given Manchester United a much-needed advantage going into the second leg, for Jose Mourinho’s side’s more realistic possibility of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League is through winning the Europa League this season.

The 2-0 win over Chelsea in the weekend have also handed United a confidence boost going into this crucial game.

Team News

Juan Mata, Chris Smalling, and Phil Jones are sidelined through injuries while Wayne Rooney will face a late fitness test.

The visitors’ only injury concern is Andy Najar who will face a late fitness test as well.

Manchester United Possible Starting Lineup: David de Gea, Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo, Eric Bailly, Matteo Darmian, Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Anderlecht Possible Starting Lineup: Ruben Martinez, Dennis Appiah, Kara, Bram Nuytinck, Ivan Obradovic, Leander Dendoncker, Youri Tielemans, Massimo Bruno, Nicolae Stanciu, Franck Acheampong, Lukasz Teodorczyk.

“Winning the Europa League would be the perfect finale for us. It would be a perfect end to a difficult season, trying to build a team to recover a certain mentality, by playing in a European final.”

– Jose Mourinho, Manchester United.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Manchester United vs Anderlecht H2H Stats, the last three meetings between these two clubs have resulted in a win, a loss and a draw for either side. However, Manchester United have won all three of their previous home meetings against Anderlecht.

Manchester United have won all five of their home Europa League games this season, conceding just once, while Anderlecht have lost only once in seven European away games this season.

It should be a closely contested affair but Manchester United are likely to win 2-1 tonight.