Match Preview: Man United vs Anderlecht

Old Trafford Whisperer
Apr 19, 2017
2 min read

What a time to have another crucial game at Old Trafford? That mesmerizing win over Chelsea couldn't have come at a better time. The perfect confidence booster as we host Anderlecht.

We still hold the advantage going into this do or die Europa League quarterfinal second leg on Thursday at Old Trafford.

Having drawn 1-1 away in Brussels, a goalless draw would be enough to send us into the semis via the away goals rule, but being United we play to win every single match.

Sir Alex Ferguson once said, "I've never played for a draw in my life." And knowing Mourinho all to well, he wouldn't dare play for a draw either.

Mourinho like his idol Ferguson repeatedly did, will play to win on Thursday

Anderlecht are unbeaten in their last 6 games, drawing 2 in the process while we have our own well documented unbeaten run although we have drawn 3 of our last 6 matches.

One United man already looking forward to the encounter is Matteo Darmian who has already warned his team mates to stay focussed and complete the job on Thursday.

Speaking after helping keep a clean sheet against Chelsea on Sunday, he said “We know that it will be a difficult game but we are playing at home in front of our fans and we want to advance into the semi-finals of the Europa League.

“So we have to be focused, with the same attitude, the same attention, the same ambition and I think it can be a good night. We have to try to win, which is the most important thing.”

This will be a game we are expected to control from start to finish. We need to convert our chances and simply change our dominance into wins especially at home.

Injury Update:

United will have to make do without the services of Juan Mata, although the forward has returned in the gym at least for now.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are definitely longterm absentees but further team news including that of Wayne Rooney will be provided by the manager when he holds his press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Match Facts:

Manchester United’s biggest ever victory was against the Belgian side in September 1956, beating them 10-0 in a European Cup preliminary game.
Indeed, the Red Devils have won all four of their previous home encounters with Belgian sides (including three vs Anderlecht), scoring 21 goals and conceding just two.
Anderlecht have never won in 17 previous away games against English sides (D2 L15), conceding in every game.
Manchester United have lost only 1 game at Old Trafford all season against Manchester City in the league.