Back United to progress past Rostov with something to spare on Thursday night.
Man Utd v Rostov – Thursday 20:05, BT Sport 2
Man United have stuttered slightly in recent weeks: they have not won since snatching the League Cup from Southampton at Wembley at the death, and they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Rostov in Russia in the first leg of this tie. After their loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Monday, the Red Devils will be desperate to brush their Russian visitors aside, and will look to their excellent European record at Old Trafford as they seek to do so.
Old Trafford has been something of a fortress for Man United in European games in the past. They are undefeated in both Europa League and Champions League play there since 2013, when they lost to Real Madrid – Rostov surely won’t pose the same test. They’ve gone W8-D2-L0 at the Theatre of Dreams since the start of last season, covering the -1 handicap in each of their last three. They are undefeated at home since September across all competitions, so it’s hard to see how Rostov will be able to withstand them, especially given that they’ll be missing experienced midfielder Alexandru Gatcan through suspension. They scored only once on the road in the group stages of the Champions League this season, and we think they’ll struggle here.
Zlatan returns to the line-up for Man United, and with the talismanic striker banging in the goals we think Man United should win comfortably. We’ll back Man United on the -1 handicap.
