Manchester United Vs Rangers Prediction: Looking For Battle Of Britain Ruler

Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United's young talent (photo: x @manutd)

JAKARTA - The Europa League on Thursday night, January 23 or early Friday morning WIB, will present an exciting battle titled Battle of Britain, when the bad Premier League giant Manchester United hosted a team from Scotland, Rangers, at Old Trafford.

Currently, Manchester United are in seventh place out of 36 participating teams, while Rangers is only one point behind in eighth position.

Manchester United coach Ruben Amorized, faced great pressure after only recording three wins in the last 11 Premier League games. In a 3-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, Amorim even called his team "probably the worst" in the club's 147-year history.

Bruno Fernandes' penalty goal in the first half was United's only shot on target in the match. Goalkeeper Andre Onana's fourth goal of the season was again used by opponents, with Georginio Rutter scoring a third goal for Brighton. This result left United with a fourth defeat to their last five home games.

United are now in 13th place in the Premier League standings with 11 points from the top seven, while they are 10 points ahead of the relegation zone. The hope of getting tickets to European competition next season is running low, unless they are able to win the Europa League this season.

In the Europa League, United are currently on track to get an automated spot in the round of 16. They are unbeaten in this competition and won 2-1 over Viktoria Plzen in their last game last month. In the history of the meeting against Rangers, United have never lost in the previous four matches (3 wins, 1 draw) and have always recorded a clean sheet.

On the other hand, Rangers is also under similar pressure. Philippe Clement, their new coach, has brought little hope after winning three consecutive wins in all competitions, including a 5-0 win over Fraserburgh at last weekend's Scottish Cup, where Cyriel Dessers scored a hat-trick.

Rangers are currently 13 points behind their rivals, Celtic, in the Scottish League, but are well enough to qualify for the last 16 of the Europa League. They are currently four points ahead of the elimination zone with two games remaining against United and Union SG.

However, Rangers' away record in Europe against England was pretty bad. They have only won once in the last eight matches, namely against Leeds United in the 1992/93 Champions League qualifying round.

Manchester United will still lose Luke Shaw (stilt injury), Mason Mount (paha), Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans (must problem). Marcus Rashford is also doubtful after missing the last nine games, while Antony is likely not in the squad because he will reportedly be loaned to Real Betis.

Leandro Martinez and Rasmus Hojlund, who did not start last weekend, are expected to return to the starting lineup replacing Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee.

In the Rangers camp, Dujon Sterling (leg injury), John Souttar, Oscar Cortes, and Tom Lawrence (former United player) were ruled out. Mohamed Diomande also could not appear due to the accumulation of yellow cards, while Jack Butland was still doubtful even though he had returned to training after experiencing serious problems.

Nicolas Raskin, the player with the record for the most possession of the Europa League this season (48 times), will be key in Rangers' midfield withctional Barron. Hamza Igamane, who scored four goals in the last four games of the Europa League, is likely to replace Cyriel Dessers in front.

Manchester United must improve their performance, especially in defense that often makes fatal mistakes. Ruben Amorim needs to make sure key players like Fernandes and Hojlund are in their best condition to face Rangers who are confident.

On the other hand, Rangers under Clement has seen a significant increase in recent weeks. Solid defense and their ability to take advantage of chances in front of goal are a real threat to United.

Although United have a good record against Rangers, their inconsistent performance this season makes this match not easy to predict. The midfield battle between Eriksen-Ugarte and Raskin-Barron will determine the course of the game.

Manchester United are expected to take advantage of the home advantage of a narrow win, but Rangers also have the potential to be surprising if they are able to maximize their chances.

Manchester United: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Eriksen, Ugarte, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes; Hojlund.

Rangers: Kelly; Tavernier, Propper, Balogun, Jefte; Barron, Raskin; Cerny, Bajrami, Yilmaz; Igamane.

Final prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Rangers