Manchester United will aim to pick up their first Europa League win this season when they travel away to face Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol in Match-day two contest at the Zimbru Stadium.

The Red Devils went down 1-0 to Real Sociedad in the first game of the campaign, while their hosts ran out convincing 3-0 winners over Omonia Nicosia. United head into the game with a week’s rest, as their Premier League game against Crystal Palace was postponed due to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Sheriff and Manchester United have never played in a competitive fixture before, and Thursday’s tie will mark the hosts’ third game versus English opposition after suffering 2-0 and 2-1 losses to Christian Eriksen’s Tottenham Hotspur in the 2013-14 Europa League group stage.

Injury/Suspension List:

Anthony Martial and Facundo Pellistri are unavailable due to injury, with Mason Greenwood still being suspended. Donny van de Beek, Martin Dubravka, Marcus Rashford, Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all left out of the squad due to injury concerns.

🔴 Preparations ✔️#UEL pic.twitter.com/9KnKdhBgxS

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 13, 2022

Luke Shaw’s foot injury has left him doubtful to feature in this game, while Rashford’s absence means another start upfront for Cristiano Ronaldo. Brandon Williams and Phil Jones have been left out of the squad for the group stage. The hosts have come through their last two fixtures without picking up any fresh injury concerns, and only goalkeeper Dumitru Celeadnic should be absent following a positive COVID-19 test.

Sheriff Tiraspol Form:

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Manchester United Form:

Manchester United Probable Line-up (4-2-3-1):

David De Gea(GK); Diogo Dalot(RB), Raphael Varane(CB), Lisandro Martinez(CB), Tyrell Malacia (LB); McTominay (CM), Christian Eriksen(CM); Antony (RW), Jadon Sancho(LW), Bruno Fernandes(CAM); Cristiano Ronaldo(ST)

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Predicted Score: Sheriff 1-2 Manchester United

It is not going to be a goal-fest especially seeing the Moldovan side as an extremely well-drilled defensive unit. Sheriff are not to be underestimated in continental competition by any stretch, but Manchester United come into this game with ample rest and lack of domestic action. The trip to the Zimbru Stadium will mark their final game before the international break following the postponement of their clash with Leeds United.

United backline have proved their capability, and the Red Devils should get two goals on the counter to enter the international break on a high. Manchester United fans have witnessed their side score in each of their last 15 European games on the road, but Sheriff Tiraspol’s defence will test the visitors’ frontline. The real question will be whether Ronaldo can break his goal drought.

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