Favourites Manchester United embark on salvaging their season as they welcome Roma for the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals. The match schedules for Thursday at Old Trafford, with kickoff at 10 pm.
It has been an overwhelming season campaign for the Red evils, making it to five semi-finals without progressing since last year. In contrast, Roma arrives on the back of underwhelming performances with only one victory in their last seven games.
Since dropping from the Champions League, the Red Devils find themselves in the semi-finals for the second consecutive year in the Europa League action. The side has had to ease past Real Sociedad and Granada 4-0 aggregate while seeing off AC Milan in between.
Even though they lost four semi’s under Ole Gunnar – including last season’s one-off tie against Sevilla – the Red Devils remain favorites to pick up the trophy similar to their 2017 reign under Jose Mourinho.
Moreover, Ole Gunnar remains ten points behind title-chasing rivals Manchester City but remain unbeaten in 17 home games in Europa League. It is a run that churned 13 wins and four draws.
In contrast, their opponents faced a downturn in their performances since February at the domestic level. It is a disappointing run that ended with a 3-2 defeat against relegation battling Cagliari. Paul Fonseca’s knows his job relies on making it in the competition.
Manchester United vs AS Roma Head to Head
Both sides have six games against each other, with Man United taking four wins while Roma with only one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Leeds 0-0 Man United
Man United 3-1 Burnley
Man United 2-0 Granada
Tottenham 1-3 Man United
Granada 0-2 Man United
Away
Cagliari 3-2 Roma
Roma 1-1 Atalanta
Torino 3-1 Roma
Roma 1-1 Ajax
Roma 1-0 Bologna
Manchester United Team News
Second leg absentees last time out, including Maguire, McTominay, and Luke Shaw, are available for selection this Thursday. The only injury absentees ahead of the clash include Anthony Martial and Phil Jones. Marcus Rashford overcame a foot injury to feature this week.
Roma Team News
Former Manchester United defender made his return last month and remained a candidate to start against his former club. Pedro sets to miss the first leg with a leg strain, while young Riccardo Calafiori misses out with a similar problem.
Prediction and Odds
We cannot overlook the home’s side formidable home record against opponents’ poor run of form.
Correct Score: 2-0
Manchester United Win
Fernandez to Score
