Manchester United is set to face Glasgow Rangers on January 23, 2025, for the seventh matchday of the UEFA Europa League at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting at 23:00 Moscow time. This matchup has the footballing world buzzing, with both clubs aiming to secure their place among the tournament's elite.
The starting line-up for Manchester United reveals goalkeeper Bayindir, with defenders De Ligt, Martinez, and Diallo, and midfielders Eriksen, Dalot, along with brimming talents Garnacho, Fernandes, and Zirkzee leading the attack. Injuries have wrought havoc on the squad, with key players such as Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof, and Johnny Evans absent from this clash. Notably, Marcus Rashford remains sidelined from the lineup, which raises questions about United's offensive strength.
Rangers, under the watchful eye of manager Philippe Clement, field their own arsenal with goalkeeper Butland backed by defenders Tavernier, Propper, Balogun, and Yilmaz. Rangers have endured some injury troubles too, losing Jack Butland, Jon Suttar, Dujon Sterling, and Tom Lawrence for this match. The absence of Mohamed Diamond due to suspension adds to their woes, potentially leaving them vulnerable against the attacking prowess of United.
Historically, Manchester United has consistently dominated encounters with Rangers, remaining unbeaten across four previous meetings without conceding any goals. This includes victories during the Champions League group stages back in 2003 and 2010, accumulating an overall score of 5-0. Their latest unofficial meeting occurred last summer, where United secured a comfortable 2-0 win, led by goals from Amad Diallo and Joe Hugill.
Currently, Manchester United sits seventh on the Europa League table, amid some troubling form. They display inconsistent performances, having claimed just three victories from their last eleven Premier League matches, with the situation exacerbated by recent setbacks — including losses against Brighton and Southampton. United's chances of reclaiming European competition places rely heavily on their performance against Rangers, and they hope to build on their current streak of three wins in the Europa League group stages.
Rangers are nipping at United's heels, holding eighth place only one point behind. Their Europa League campaign has been comparatively uplifting, with recent matches showcasing strong form. They have managed two lopsided wins, 4-0 against Steaua and 4-1 against Nice, paired with resilience leading to their last outing — a tightly contested 1-1 draw with Tottenham. With a total of 11 goals scored across their last three fixtures, Rangers are demonstrating their attacking capacity, raising concerns about United's frail defense, which has been shaky this season.
Fans and bettors alike are closely watching the odds, with bookmakers favoring Manchester United at 1.47 for victory, placing Rangers at 6.40, and predicting draw opportunities at 4.70. The recent defensive performances from both clubs suggest there may be goals, with many betting on totals exceeding 2.5, at 1.59, due to United's vulnerability, conceding regularly lately.
United’s coach Ruben Amorim is feeling the heat with criticism over his side's performances, even labelling this squad potentially the worst since the club's formation over 147 years ago. His players will be desperate to rise to the occasion, particularly with fans expecting more consistency and improvement on their home turf.
The matchup promises to be more than just another qualifier; it's set to be an intense battle reflecting the storied rivalry and legacy of both clubs — whether it leads to goals, surprises, or defensive masterclasses remains to be seen. Whatever the result, expect hot tempers, passionate displays, and the kind of drama only European football can provide.
With millions of fans poised to watch, the world anticipates whether Manchester United can reclaim their stature at home or if Rangers will upset the odds under the lights at Old Trafford. Don't miss this pivotal clash on January 23rd!