Intro: Granada vs. Manchester United
Manchester United prepare for a midweek trip to Spain to face Granada in the last eight of the Europa League. Fresh off the heels of yet another come-from-behind win, Manchester United face a rash of injury concerns.
Match Build Up
Granada will be the 11th different Spanish side Manchester United have faced in major European competition. United lost their first ever meeting with five of the previous 10 Spanish sides. Athletic Bilbao – 1957, Real Madrid – 1957, Barcelona – 1984, Atlético de Madrid – 1991 and Deportivo de La Coruña – 2001.
Manchester United have reached the quarter-final stages of a major European competition for the 27th time. United have progressed from 17 of the previous 26. They are winless in the first leg of each of their last three quarter final matches in Europe (D2 L1). Manchester United have scored 21 goals in European competition this season. 13 of them were scored by either Marcus Rashford (seven goals) or Bruno Fernandes (six goals).
This is Granada’s maiden European campaign. They are the first side since RB Leipzig in 2017-18 to reach the quarter-finals of a major European competition in their first campaign. The last side to reach the semi-finals in such a season was Villarreal in 2003-04 (UEFA Cup). Yangel Herrera (on loan from Manchester City) is Granada’s top scorer in European competition this season with five goals.
Manchester United Team News
Anthony Martial could miss the rest of the season after damaging his knee while on international duty. Alex Telles is out through illness. Eric Bailly tested positive for COVID-19 after qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations finals with the Ivory Coast.
Marcus Rashford was withdrawn after scoring against the Seagulls due to a knock, with the boss confirming afterwards it was a concern. United’s youngsters Shola Shoretire and Amad will also hope to be involved in the squad again, as will Anthony Elanga after he was added to the club’s B list for the competition.
There will also be a choice to make in goal again with David De Gea and Dean Henderson vying for the gloves.
Possible Lineup:
De Gea – Shaw – Maguire – Lindelof – AWB – Pogba – McTominay – Greenwood – Bruno – James – Cavani
Be the first to comment