Manchester United’s Thursday night trip to Moldova to face Sheriff Tiraspol might not sound like a blockbuster fixture, but listen up reds – it’s all we’re getting this week.
Yes, as you’ve most likely heard by now, Sunday’s much-anticipated fixture against Leeds has been postponed by the Premier League due to “events surrounding Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral”. That leaves Sheriff Tiraspol vs Manchester United as this week’s only opportunity to see Erik Ten Hag’s men take to the field.
So what should we expect?
Well, the cancellation of the Leeds fixture is likely to have a huge impact on that. Largely because Ten Hag will no longer feel obliged to rest his preferred XI with a free weekend ahead.
While we saw Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Cristiano Ronaldo take starting places last week against Real Sociedad; they are less likely to reprise those places again this week, against Sheriff.
Of course, we shouldn’t be too quick to underestimate Sheriff. In summer 2021 they beat Shakhtar 2-0 and went on to take a shocking upset win away at Real Madrid in late September; beating the Galacticos 2-1.
No one expected those results and United would be foolish to overlook their Moldovan opponents too readily come Thursday.
Manchester United
United come into this fixture on the back of some fine league form; only brought into question by last Thursday’s stuttering performance against Real Sociedad. Of course, there was near-unanimous agreement that the penalty Sociedad won by should not have been awarded following the VAR check. But United’s performance was so lacklustre it left fans with little room for complaint.
However, the opportunity to return to our preferred centre-back partnership; Varane and Martinez, could well give the reds enough of a boost to take confidence and three points.
Line-up
Considering the postponement of the Leeds game, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a full strength line-up as follows:
De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia, McTominay, Eriksen, Sancho, Bruno, Antony, Rashford.
Opposition
Sheriff have had plenty of success in Moldova; but it’s last year’s amazing run of results in Europe that will give United fans pause for thought. Results against Shakhtar and Real Madrid were unexpected and will give the Moldovans hope for another upset; as will Sociedad’s ability to keep United at bay.
They’re in fine form in the league too, winning their last three fixtures in the 1st Moldovan National Division.
Prediction
While United’s form has been mixed, it’s hard not to predict a Manchester United win. Of course, we’ve fallen victim to giant killings before, but hopefully this Thursday won’t be one of those.
Following a disappointing opening fixture in the Europa League, Ten Hag’s men should get the job done. We’re predicting a 3-0 away win for the reds.