Manchester United have one foot in the Europa League final. Marcus Rashford’s sensational free-kick earned the Red Devils a crucial 1-0 win away at Celta Vigo last Thursday and United boss Jose Mourinho will expect his side to do enough on home soil to book their spot in the Stockholm showpiece at the end of May.
Mourinho’s men, currently 1/2 to win outright on Thursday, know that a draw is enough to see them through but United fans will demand an exciting performance after their sub-par effort against Arsenal on Sunday. Reaching the final is the main objective but supporters are within their rights to expect a much improved effort at Old Trafford.
Celta Vigo are a decent outfit
United cannot afford to take Celta lightly; the Spanish side were disappointing last Thursday but they will go for the jugular this time around. Defensively, the Reds have been better in recent months but they are prone to making the odd mistake. If Celta’s potent attack are firing on all cylinders, Mourinho’s men may need to be at their best.
With that in mind, I’ll be backing both teams to score at a very reasonable 9/10. Celta might not come out all guns blazing but they will be quietly confident of snatching a goal on the counter attack. If they can keep things tight for the first hour or so, the Spanish side will go all out in a bid to take this contest to extra-time.
Marcus Rashford: United’s difference maker
Every now and then, a talented young star comes along – United have a real diamond on their hands in Marcus Rashford. At just 19 years old, he has already achieved more than most will in their careers and his sublime effort last week will live long in the memory of United’s adoring supporters.
Rashford is priced at 33/25 to get his name on the scoresheet for the second European game in a row and it would take a brave man to back against the United youngster. With Zlatan Ibrahimović out of action, he is now leading the line at Old Trafford and fans will be confident of more Rashford success in the near future.
Score prediction
Both teams to score looks likely here but it may prove prudent to stick with United on home soil. Old Trafford isn’t what it used to be in terms of drama and excitement but the Reds are still capable of winning easily in front of their home fans. The 49/20 on offer for Mourinho’s men to win with both sides scoring is my best of the day...
