Man United v Rangers preview: Team news, head-to-head, line-ups, where to watch
Philippe Clement can all but secure qualification to the knockout stages of the Europa League when Rangers travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Belgian remains firmly in the limelight at Ibrox as he emerges as a “surprise” contender to succeed Domenico Tedesco for the vacant Belgium national side position.
However, the Gers have enjoyed relative success on the European stage despite their domestic woes, and this presents another chance to claim an English scalp after defying the odds to secure a 1-1 draw against Tottenham last time out in the competition.
Preview
Although Clement has options to jump ship at Ibrox before it sinks, he remains under considerable pressure to overturn his fortunes.
The 13-point gap to Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership is, by all accounts, insurmountable – any hope of success this season lies in the Europa League and the Scottish Cup.
Rangers have surpassed expectations in the competition and sit in eighth place in the league phase table, which would ensure a bye through the first knockout round, and are only one point behind Manchester United.
The Red Devils have been far from impressive this season, starting their campaign with three draws against FC Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce. However, they have since turned around their form under Ruben Amorim, who has won his only two outings in the competition.
Regardless, the Light Blues have proven what they are capable of against Premier League opposition, as it required a Dejan Kulusevski goal to snatch a point for Spurs.
With only four points separating the Gers from exiting knockout contention, a win at Old Trafford would undoubtedly have catastrophic repercussions back in Glasgow.
Form Guide [Europa League]
Manchester United: WWWDD
Rangers: DWDWL
Head-to-Head [all competitions, including friendlies]
Rangers 0-2 Manchester United (20 July, 2024)
Rangers 0-1 Manchester United (24 November, 2010)
Manchester United 0-0 Rangers (14 September, 2010)
Manchester United 3-0 Rangers (4 November, 2003)
Rangers 0-1 Manchester United (22 October, 2003)
Team News for Manchester United v Rangers
Clement welcomed the return of captain James Tavernier for the 5-0 win against Fraserburgh on Sunday (19 January), but will be missing first-team regulars for the trip to Old Trafford.
As things stand, first-choice goalkeeper Jack Butland will not feature, while defender John Souttar remains on the sidelines.
Danilo and Ianis Hagi are both ineligible, meanwhile, and Mohamed Diomande is suspended, so changes will be required.
Amorim has no significant first-team absentees heading into the clash, but will be without Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Jonny Evans, who has been linked with a switch to Ibrox.
Predicted lineups for Manchester United v Rangers
Manchester United: Onana, Mazraoui, Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Diallo, Fernandes, Hojlund
Rangers: Kelly, Jefte, Nsiala, Propper, Tavernier, Raskin, Barron, Yilmaz, Bajrami, Cerny, Igamane
Where to watch?
The match at Old Trafford kicks off at 8pm GMT on Thursday (23 January), and will be available live on TNT Sports and the Discovery+ app.
Alternatively, the match will be available to listen live on BBC Sport Scotland.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Rangers
Clement faces his toughest opponent yet this season, but the same could be said when facing Tottenham, and the Gers dominated that match at Ibrox.
However, the Gers’ poor away form has proved to be Clement’s downfall this season, and he has yet to face a side on the road that matches the quality of Manchester United.
Amorim will be reeling from the Premier League loss against Brighton and eager to set the record straight when Rangers arrive in Manchester.
In other Rangers news, Gers meeting is set to terminate a player deal at Ibrox.
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