Manchester United welcome Club Brugge to Old Trafford for the second leg of their Europa League round of 32 tie with the sides level after the first 90 minutes in Belgium. The Red Devils can point to that all-important away goal, making them favourites going into Thursday's game.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side fell behind after 15 minutes in the first leg last week after a simple long ball from former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet cut through United's back line and found the opportunistic
Anthony Martial capitalised on dozy defending 10 minutes before half-time as United stuttered through a tepid and forgetful affair.
Brugge travel to Old Trafford knowing they need to score, but given the limp display their hosts mustered in the reverse fixture and the fact that they've already netted two away at Real Madrid this season, the Belgians will make this a competitive clash.
How to Watch on TV
When is Kick Off? | Thursday 27 February |
What Time is Kick Off? | 20:00 (GMT) |
Where is it Played? | Old Trafford |
TV Channel/Live Stream? | BT Sport 2/BT Sport Ultimate |
Referee? | Serdar Gözübüyük |
Team News
United will still be without Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, but the Old Trafford faithful saw the return of Scott McTominay for the final 10 minutes of their comfortable 3-0 victory against Watford on Sunday.
The 23-year-old made his first appearance of 2020 after suffering a knee injury against Newcastle United on Boxing Day. Solskjaer has already warned that the youngster's return will be managed but his reintroduction into midfield in the near future will be warmly welcomed by all.
Brugge are still missing their winger Krépin Diatta who has seven goals this season, while midfielder Éder Balanta is suspended. Otherwise, Philippe Clement should field his strongest side as the Belgian league leaders look to upset the odds.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United | Romero; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelöf, Williams; Matić, Fred; Mata, Fernandes, James; Martial |
Club Brugge | Mignolet; Mata, Mechele, Deli, Sobol; Vormer, Vanaken, Rits, Tau, De Ketelaere; Dennis |
Head-to-Head Record
The two sides have only met on three previous occasions. Prior to the first leg, Manchester United eased through Champions League qualification in 2015 with a 7-1 aggregate win, as Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick in the second leg in Belgium.
Brugge are still in search of their first victory in England as 12 previous visits have yielded just two draws and ten defeats,
Recent Form
Just as Solskjaer looks to be on the brink of dismissal, he somehow finds a way to string together a run of positive results to keep the axe at bay.
Since successive 2-0 defeats to Liverpool and Burnley, Manchester United are undefeated in six matches across four competitions. The weekend's convincing victory over relegation-threatened Watford saw Bruno Fernandes produce his best performance in a red shirt since his recent arrival, prompting his manager to produce a generous, if confused, comparison to a club legend.
Brugge can boast an even more impressive run of form as they remain unbeaten in 2020. They lead the Belgian top flight by nine points with three games of the regular season remaining prior to the playoffs.
But, despite leading Real Madrid 2-0 at half-time in the second game of the Champions League group stage earlier this season before succumbing to a 2-2 draw, the Belgian side are yet to register a victory in European competition this campaign outside of qualifying.
Manchester United | Club Brugge |
Manchester United 3-0 Watford (23/2) | Club Brugge 1-0 RSC Charleroi (23/2) |
Club Brugge 1-1 Manchester United (20/2) | Club Brugge 1-1 Manchester United (20/2) |
Chelsea 0-2 Manchester United (17/2) | Club Brugge 2-1 Waasland Beveren (15/2) |
Manchester United 0-0 Wolves (1/2) | Standard Liège 0-0 Club Brugge (12/2) |
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United (29/1) | Zulte Waregem 1-2 Club Brugge (5/2) |
Prediction
Manchester United made heavy weather of the first leg and have defined their season by struggling to beat teams they, in theory, should. Yet, Martial's away goal, however fortunate it may have been, leaves United in a strong position going into the return leg.
With three consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League, another on Thursday would guarantee their place in the next round and while Brugge will no doubt offer stern resistance, United should have too much for the Belgian outfit.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-0 Club Brugge
Source : 90min