Kris Boyd shares his verdict ahead of Manchester United v Rangers. Credit: Imago

Kris Boyd moots 'big problems' ahead of Manchester United v Rangers

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

21 Jan 2025, 3:10 pm

Leon Balogun's potential absence ahead of a Europa League tie against Manchester United will provide "big problems" for Rangers, according to Kris Boyd.

The 36-year-old missed the 5-0 win over Fraserburgh in the Scottish Cup last time out, having only made seven Scottish Premiership starts so far this season.

With Dujon Sterling, John Souttar and Neraysho Kasanwirjo all sidelined, it could be a case of Robin Propper and Clinton Nsiala partnering up at Old Trafford on Thursday 23 January.

Speaking via The Scottish Sun's Go Ballistic [21 January], Boyd said: "Does Balogun make it? If he doesn't make it, Rangers have big problems. Because Clement might then have to play James Tavernier at right-back.

That would allow Yilmaz to play left-back. If he does make it, you'd imagine Tavernier would play right-back, with Jefte at left-back, maybe combining with Yilmaz on that side."

Rangers injury concerns emerging ahead of Manchester United clash

Missing the experienced head of Balogun would be a bit of a blow, though the Gers have shown already that they can cope without him in the matchday squad several times this term.

Philippe Clement's side have an incredible opportunity to lay down a defining marker in Europe against the Red Devils, with the Scottish Premiership title clearly no longer an option.

Ruben Amorim's team are just one spot above them in the Europa League table after six matches, which is an incredible feat from the Light Blues, who have been so out of sorts in domestic competitions.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement is under pressure. (Credit: Imago)

Propper and Nsiala as a centre-back pairing will certainly be a worry for a lot of the travelling supporters, though the two have been pretty rock solid during their previous couple of outings.

The Gers definitely have what it takes to travel to Manchester and return to Ibrox with all three points, but Clement will need his biggest characters to lead the way if they stand any chance of getting out of Old Trafford alive.

In other Rangers news, Leon Balogun has slammed “extremely disrespectful” fans after what he’s heard at Ibrox.

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Kris Boyd

UEFA Europa League

Manchester United