Manchester United vs Young Boys Preview

United squad to prove worth against Young Boys?

Old Trafford welcomes BSC Young Boys as United play their final game of the UCL Group Stages. This time last year, United needed a point to qualify from the group but instead suffered an embarrassing 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig, sending United to the Europa League. This time round, United have qualified top of the group following their 2-0 win over Villarreal. United are in good mood and form as they are unbeaten in their last four games. Ralf Rangnick has lifted the team and they performed well against Crystal Palace but only achieved a 1-0 win thanks to a Fred wonder-goal. A good start but plenty to improve on.

Rangnick has hinted there will be many changes with David de Gea, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes all set for a rest during the tricky December fixture list. Plenty of Reds can impress in this match and they could get a lot of goals with Young Boys fighting for a place in the Europa League. Here’s all you need to know:

Match Information

Teams: Manchester United and BSC Young Boys
Date: Wednesday 8th December 2021
KO Time: 20:00 GMT
Stadium: Old Trafford
Managers: Ralf Rangnick (GER) and David Wagner (GER)
Referee: Benoit Bastien (FRA)

Manchester United vs Young Boys Team News:

Manchester United

United are going to shake things up this match but injuries will prevent a few changes. Raphael Varane remains out for now. Varane trained with the team along with Cavani and Shaw ahead of the match but both Cavani and Varane are unlikely to feature until next week. Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard are also doubts as they were not in training following injuries in the buildup to Sunday’s match. Phil Jones could have made an appearance but he is not registered and cannot play in the Champions League.

BSC Young Boys

Young Boys have a host of injuries to concern themselves about. Christian Fassnacht remains out with a concussion sustained in November and as will defender, Zesiger, goalkeeper, von Ballmoos and striker, Nsame. Mohammed Camara came off the bench in a defeat to Servette but could be ready to start on Wednesday.

Interesting Facts:

  • Manchester United could win three home games in a row since April (Granada, Burnley and Roma). Similarly, United could record two European clean sheets for the first time since their QF legs with Granada in April.
  • Bruno Fernandes could become the first player to create an assist in every group stage match of the Champions League.
  • Young Boys are the only team to deny United more than one goal in the Champions League this season.
  • The last time United played Young Boys, Jose Mourinho secured qualification from the group courtesy of a 91st minute winner from Marouane Fellaini.

Predicted Team:

United will make changes with Maguire, Fernandes and De Gea set for a rest. Matic will captain the side, leaving Bailly and Lindelof at the back and Dean Henderson in goal. I expect Wan-Bissaka to come in for Dalot and the Portuguese international to keep up his good form against Norwich. Telles may have to play with Shaw not ready but if Shaw can play he certainly will. Matic and Donny could make the midfield pivot with Elanga and Sancho likely to start wide. Up top, it would make sense to rest Ronaldo but he’s hungry for goals. I can see him starting with Greenwood as Rashford wasn’t particularly impressive against Palace as Cavani and Martial are not ready yet. I would not be surprised with a possible inclusion of Mata or Amad but that remains to be seen if either will start or come on as the game continues.

Predicted Team (4-2-2-2): Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Bailly, Telles; Matic, van de Beek; Sancho, Elanga; Greenwood, Ronaldo

Predicted Score:

Big chances for some players and some need to step up and show their worth. This could be a good game to watch and another showing of United’s high press causing mayhem. United could put any number past this team and Rangnick will want this team to be ruthless.

United to win 5-0

Author: Arjun Handa

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