Manchester United will travel to struggling Astana with hopes of securing the top spot in their group. The Kazakhstan side are winless this campaign having lost all of the games so far and as a result, find themselves at the bottom of the pile. Meanwhile, The Red Devils are top of the table, two points clear of their closest rivals AZ Alkmaar, who they face in the final group game. With a qualification in the knockout stages guaranteed, United might look to give fringe players a chance to show their caliber. Ahead of this clash, we take a look at some of the key players who can make an impact for their respective sides. Sergio Aguero Ruled Out From Derby Against Manchester United Due to Thigh Injury, Says Pep Guardiola.
Manchester United were held by Sheffield United to a 3-3 draw in their last Premier League game and as a result, are in the ninth place on the points table. The Red Devils are struggling in EPL this season and winning the Europa League this season looks the only way they can secure Champions League football next season. Astana, on the other hand, are on a roll in their domestic league as they claimed their sixth consecutive Kazakhstan Premier League title in a row, earlier this month. However, the Europa League has been very difficult for the hosts, as they have lost all of their four opening games scoring just once. Before this match, we take a look at some of the key players from both sides. Premier League 2019-20: Manchester United Play Out 3-3 Draw Against Sheffield United.
Abzal Beysebekov
It’s been a tough Europa League campaign for the Astana players as they are still winless and more importantly have scored just once in the four matches. Beysebekov has averaged 1.8 shots per 90 minutes in the Europa League which is more than any other Astana player. On his day, the midfielder could give United’s defense some serious trouble.
Antonio Rukavina
The Serbian international will be one of the most important players for Astana in this match. The 35-year old defender will have his work cut out for him against a talented Man United attack. Rukavina is good from set-pieces so he will be a big threat for the Red Devils to deal with from dead-ball situations and corners.
Mason Greenwood
The majority of Mason Greenwood’s goal for the senior team has come in this competition. Greenwood also scored the winning goal in the previous meeting between the sides. He is expected to start in this match from the get-go and will fancy his chances against one of the worst defenses in the competition.
Jesse Lingard
Injuries and lack of form has kept the English international out of the United team and this will be a good chance for him to make a statement. Jesse Lingard is expected to lead his side in the match and this will provide him some extra incentive to perform at a level above the usual. Lingard will surely be a handful for the Astana defense to handle.
Lee Grant
Red Devil’s third-choice goalkeeper Lee Grant is expected to start this match and it will be his second appearance in a United shirt since joining in July 2018. His only other United appearance came in a Carabao Cup match against former side Derby County. This will be a good opportunity for Grant to show Ole Gunnar Solksjaer what he is capable of.
Astana have found life difficult in this year’s Europa League campaign and a visit from Manchester United will not make their life any easier. The Kazakhstan side have a good record at home and will hope that they can get a positive result against the English side.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 28, 2019 04:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).