Manchester United look to seal qualification to the knockout rounds of the Europa League with a home tie against Sheriff. United want to make sure that they are within reaching distance of the top spot and for that, they need to win tomorrow and go into the Sociedad match at most three points behind. They also need to rack up the goals. With Sociedad on a goal difference of +7 and United only a meagre +3, that number needs improving regardless of the score between Sociedad and Omonia tomorrow. United have to be everything they were against Spurs and Chelsea but have to put the ball into the back of the net.

There are plenty of returns to the United side. However two very key absences that will be missed. Will United put on a show? Or will we be subjected to a gruelling and stressful European occasion? Here’s all you need to know:

Manchester United vs Sheriff Match Information:

Teams: Manchester United and Sheriff Tiraspol
Date: Thursday 27th October 2022
KO Time: 20:00 GMT
Stadium: Old Trafford
Managers: Erik ten Hag and … no one?
Referee: Tasos Sidiropoulos

Team News:

Manchester United

Manchester United welcome back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire and Donny van de Beek into training and contention for the squad. Brandon Williams and Axel Tuanzebe remain sidelined along with Anthony Martial and, more recently, Raphael Varane. Cristiano Ronaldo returns to the squad after not featuring in the Chelsea squad due to unsportsmanly behaviour against Spurs.

Sheriff Tiraspol

The biggest news coming from Sheriff is that their manager was sacked this week. Following a defeat in the league, Stjepan Tomas left his role as manager with no new manager in place for the Moldovan team.

Sheriff are also missing Armel Zohouri due to suspension. However they welcome back Iyayi Atiemwen and Moussa Kyabou from suspension but it remains to be seen if they will start.

Interesting Facts:

• Scott McTominay scored the winner off the bench against Omonia last time out. He is the first Manchester United player to come off the bench and win a European tie since Solskjaer’s winner in 1999.
• Bruno Fernandes has 19 goals and 15 assists in 37 Europa League matches.
• Six of Fred’s 13 assists for Manchester United have come in the Europa League.

Manchester United vs Sheriff Predicted XI:

Manchester United have to go strong but don’t want to burn out their players with big games in the League to come. I can see Maguire coming in for this game to add more progression in United’s play as long as he is fit. I can also see Casemiro swapping out for McTominay. Elanga could come in for an underwhelming Sancho but I reckon Ten Hag will make a few headlines by moving Rashford out to the left and bringing Ronaldo back into the lineup.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; McTominay, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo

Predicted Score:

I expect United to win against a shaken Sheriff but if they score early you can surely expect a big win. It’s whether United take their chances but with their confidence up and the manner in which they played in the last two games, I can see a good result.

Manchester United to win 3-0