Manchester United vs Rangers Europa League betting preview

Imago Manchester United's Harry Maguire will hope to keep a clean sheet against Rangers on Thursday — *Imago* Manchester United's Harry Maguire will hope to keep a clean sheet against Rangers on Thursday

Manchester United state of play

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim hasn't had a honeymoon period at Old Trafford. The Portuguese, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, is still struggling to get the Red Devils firing on all cylinders.

United were outclassed by Brighton on Sunday and slumped to a 3-1 defeat. It was a fourth loss in their past five home Premier League games.

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Amorim has now overseen a meagre 11 points in 11 top-flight games since taking over the Red Devils hot seat and described his team as "maybe the worst" in the 147-year history of the club after their humbling against the Seagulls.

Rangers state of play

Rangers manager Philippe Clement enjoyed a morale-boosting victory over Fraserburgh in the Scottish Cup last Sunday. They eased past the minnows with a 5-0 win at Ibrox.

Nevertheless, winning the Scottish Premiership title still looks like a massive task with arch-rivals Celtic a hefty 13 points ahead.

Rangers' form - particularly away from home - has been slightly erratic. But they have kept a clean sheet in 12 of their 23 Premiership games this term. Only arch-rivals Celtic have managed more with 17.

Key talking point: Can United find their groove?

Amorim needs to start picking up results and cup competitions could be the best hope of saving his beleaguered side's season.

United have already seen off Arsenal in the FA Cup. And on paper their Europa League form is reasonable. They are yet to lose a game with three wins and three draws. A win could see them consolidate a top eight place and really catapult their season.

That's just as well because in the Premier League, at this stage of the season, only 13 United teams have had a lower points tally in the history of the club - the last time being in 1989-90.

FIRST’s top tip for Manchester United vs Rangers

Hamza Igamane to score anytime at 81/20 (Bet442)

The 22-year-old Moroccan looks the real deal and has now racked up 13 goals this term. He'll fancy his chances against a leaky United defence.

Extra tips

Rangers first team to score at 113/50 (Bet442)

United have conceded the first goal in each of their past five Premier League games at Old Trafford - their joint-longest such run in the top flight, also doing so five times in a row from August to October 2023. Rangers, meanwhile, battered Fraserburgh 5-0 at the weekend and cruised past Aberdeen with a 3-1 win in their last Scottish Premiership fixture.

Both teams to score at 5/6 (Betway)

Rangers' record on the road is rocky with just three wins out of 11 Scottish Premiership games. But overall they're a relatively free-scoring side, with 44 in the top flight. Only Celtic have notched more.

United, meanwhile, remain questionable defensively with 32 conceded in the Premier League. Only six Premier League teams have leaked more goals. Nevertheless, in attack Amad Diallo has impressed - and the versatile winger could be the dangerman against Rangers on home soil. Diallo, 22, now has six goals and six assists to his name this term.

Overall, United are currently averaging 1.23 goals per match in the Premier League with a shooting accuracy of 35%.

Team news

Luke Shaw has been unavailable for selection since November having suffered a setback in his recovery from a calf injury. The influential left-back is closing in on a return but is unlikely to be in contention to face Rangers.

Former Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is a long-term absentee for United. Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are also both out of action.

Rangers are missing midfielder Mohamed Diomande. The Ivorian is banned for the Old Trafford showdown after picking up his third yellow card in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham. Clement is also still without John Souttar, Dujon Sterling and Tom Lawrence.

Oscar Cortes and Danilo have picked up fresh knocks. Jack Butland, meanwhile, could be in contention to face the side he spent a season on loan at during the 2022-23 campaign.