Manchester United are unbeaten at home to Scottish opposition, winning three of five previous encounters, while Rangers have only one of eight previous visits to England, defeating Leeds 33 years ago, albeit they did leave Old Trafford with a goalless draw in 2010.
Manchester United vs Rangers Preview
Both Manchester United and Rangers start the night in the top eight of the Europa League table, but only just, meaning both require points if they're to go straight through to the round of 16. Of the pair, it's the hosts who kick off a point better off, with Man United commencing this European campaign with three successive draws, subsequently claiming three wins on the spin, most-recently fighting back from a goal down to beat Viktoria Plzeň 2-1, thanks to Rasmus Højlund's late brace in Czechia. Given that their matchday eight clash will see the Red Devils take on Steaua Bucharest, most are forecasting they'll collect enough points to retain their current top eight position.
However, Rúben Amorim's team do not come into this Battle of Britain in good form at all, most-recently beaten 3-1 by Brighton at home on Sunday, their sixth home league defeat of the season already, which represents their worst-record at this stage of a campaign for 131 years. Overall, Man United have won only two of their last nine Premier League outings, leaving them down 13th, equidistant away from the relegation zone and the potential European spots. This though merely adds importance to their Europa League escapades, so can the Red Devils collect a morale-boosting victory here?
Similarly, Rangers' domestic campaign isn't going to plan either, currently a whopping 13 points adrift Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, having won only three of their 11 away league matches, scoring once or fewer in eight of these games. However, the Light Blues have made a habit of turning up on Europa League nights, reaching at least the round of 16 each of the last four times they've featured in the competition, most-notably getting all the way to the final three seasons ago.
So far in the league phase, Philippe Clement's team have lost only once, beaten by Lyon in October, but have claimed memorable victories over Malmö in Sweden, FCSB in Glasgow and Nice by the French Riviera. Last time out, Hamza Igamane fired them in front when Spurs visited a raucous Ibrox, only to be denied a famous victory by a late equaliser. On matchday eight, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise will visit Govan, with the Gers, probably, requiring four points from their two remain fixtures to retain their top eight status, making it imperative that they leave Old Trafford with something.
Manchester United vs Rangers Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 4.
- Manchester United Wins: 3. Draws: 1. Rangers Wins: 0.
Manchester United Team News
Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelöf, Jonny Evans and Mason Mount remain sidelined, while it would be a surprise to see either Tyrell Malacia or Marcus Rashford, given that both could be on the move this month. In goal, after a calamitous performance from André Onana on Sunday, Altay Bayındır will be donning the gloves for the first time since his match-winning display against Arsenal in the FA Cup, hoping to further stake a claim. Antony has come off the bench during the last two matches, despite being on the verge of a move to Real Betis, while will Joshua Zirkzee continue to lead the line, chosen over Rasmus Højlund? Casemiro and Rashford, neither of whom are particularly likely to feature in fairness, would miss next Thursday's visit to the Romanian capital if booked.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Rangers: (3-4-2-1): Bayındır; Yoro, de Ligt, Martínez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dalot; Amad, Garnacho, Zirkzee.
Manchester United Player to Watch vs Rangers
Amad, who made 13 appearances for Rangers in 2022, reaching the Europa League Final and winning the Scottish Cup, has unquestionably been Man United's player of the season so far. The Ivorian's hat-trick against Southampton a week ago took his tally to nine goals for the campaign, including a brace when PAOK visited Old Trafford earlier in the league phase.
Rangers Team News
Philippe Clement heavily rotated for Sunday's Scottish Cup victory over Highland League outfit Fraserburgh, giving his regulars a rest. However, first-choice goalkeeper Jack Butland remains injured, meaning Liam Kelly will continue to deputise, while key midfielder Mohamed Diomandé is suspended, having picked up his third yellow card of the competition against Tottenham. At the back, Leon Balogun made his first appearance since Boxing Day last Wednesday, so he'll return to partner Robin Pröpper, in the continued absence of John Souttar, Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanwirjo. Meanwhile, Jefté is likely to get the nod at left-back, with Rıdvan Yılmaz deployed further forward, as was the case against Spurs. Despite Cyriel Dessers' hat-trick at the weekend, Hamza Igamane will continue to lead the line, having scored four in four Europa League appearances to date. Connor Barron will miss the clash with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise if booked.
Rangers predicted lineup vs Manchester United: (4-2-3-1): Kelly; Tavernier, Pröpper, Balogun, Jefté; Raskin, Barron, Černý, Bajrami, Yılmaz; Igamane.
Rangers Player to Watch vs Manchester United
Captain James Tavernier has scored 128 goals for Rangers, 20 of which have come in UEFA competition, including seven during the knockout stages en route to Seville, numbers made all the more impressive by the fact he's a right-back, so can the Englishman shine at Old Trafford?
Manchester United vs Rangers Prediction
We are backing Manchester United for victory on Thursday. The Red Devils are far from at their best right now, but neither are Rangers, who continue to struggle away from home, so we're forecasting that the home team's extra quality will see them collect the points: Manchester United 2-1 Rangers.
Manchester United vs Rangers FAQs - Europa League
How to watch Manchester United vs Rangers Europa League game on TV channel?
Manchester United vs Rangers Europa League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 1 & Ultimate
- USA: Paramount+, ViX, TUDN USA & UniMás
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Manchester United vs v Europa League game on live streaming?
Manchester United vs Rangers Europa League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+, ViX, TUDN USA & UniMás
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester United vs Rangers in the Europa League?
Man United vs Rangers in the Europa League takes place on Thursday 23 January 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PST).