(Football news) Manchester United will make a trip to Moldova to take on Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday in their second Group E match of the UEFA Europa League. Erik ten Hag’s team were defeated 1-0 by Real Sociedad following a controversial penalty while Sheriff enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Omonia Nicosia. The Moldovian side featured in the Champions League last season and are now looking to make their mark in the Europa League, with a result against Manchester United becoming a statement of intent.
Sheriff Tiraspol are currently on top of Group E with goals from Iyayi Atiemwen, Rasheed Akanbi and Mouhamed Diop and are in prime position to reach the knockout round. The team are looking in good form, having defeated Milsami Orhei 2-0 in the Super Liga on Sunday and are currently unbeaten since the Champions League qualifying match against Viktoria Plzen. Sheriff have kept seven clean sheets, won eight matches across all competitions and have conceded just one goal in 720 minutes of play.
As for Manchester United, the team were unbeaten for four consecutive matches until their 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad in the Europa League. The Red Devils have scored in each of their last 15 away matches in Europe but that could be tested as Sheriff Tiraspol have a solid defence. The two clubs have never faced each other in a competitive fixture before and it will be an interesting matchup between in-form underdogs against a Goliath that has a point to prove.
In team news, only goalkeeper Dumitru Celeadnic will be unavailable for selection for Sheriff Tiraspol following his positive COVID-19 test. Manager Tomas is likely to select Diop and Moussa Kyabou in midfield after the pair was rested against Milsami Orhei on the weekend. Atiemwen is expected to replace Steve Ambri while Abou Ouattara could be replaced by Pernambuco who scored a goal in the league.
As for Manchester United, Anthony Martial will be unavailable due to an achilles injury alongside Facundo Pellistri, Donny van de Beek, Martin Dubravka, Marcus Rashford, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams. Luke Shaw could be back in contention after recovering from his injury while Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to feature in the starting lineup in Rashford’s absence. Despite Sheriff Tiraspol’s recent form, Manchester United have enough quality and adequate rest to seal the victory against their Moldovian opponents in this match.
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