Manchester United vs Rangers could be defined by who is not there as the Scottish side looks at the injury list through their fingers.
Philippe Clement has revealed he has nine players missing for the crunch clash at Old Trafford. Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim meanwhile is coasting on smoother waters with just the four forced absences. Both sides will need to make do as they hope to take a big step towards confirming a place among the competition’s top eight teams – and securing a coveted last-16 spot.
Rangers are currently in eight place, one point behind United, and have had positive experiences on their travels this campaign. The 4-1 victory in Nice was a real highlight. The British rivals will lock horns for the first time since the Premier League giants snatched a 1-0 victory at Ibrox courtesy of a Wayne Rooney penalty in the 2010 Champions League group stage. But if Clement is to to pull off a big result at Old Trafford his fringe players will have to step up.
Record Sport looks at who is available for both sides ahead of their mammoth Europa League encounter.
Rangers team news
Former United man Tom Lawrence is a doubt having suffered a hamstring injury since November. At most he could appear on bench following a return to full training. But one ex-United face could be in line for a Red Devils homecoming with Clement confirming first-choice keeper Jack Butland is ‘available’ as he recovers from an internal bleed in his leg injury. He has been spotted in training this week with protective leg padding as he gears up for a potential return.
Mohamed Diomande has proved a big player recently but he will miss out due to suspension after picking up three yellow cards. Key defender John Souttar is still recovering from a groin injury and Oscar Cortes will miss out due to a “small injury”.
Danilo, Rafael Fernandes, Ianis Hagi, Rabbi Matondo and Clinton Nsiala are all ineligible as they have not been registered in the Europa League squad.
Man United team news
Ruben Amorim can look more kindly on his squad availability. Victor Lindelof has returned to training following a month-long absence. He may be given more time to recover at Carrington, however, to not risk further strains. Mason Mount (thigh injury) and Luke Shaw (calf injury) have also been out in recent weeks and neither took part in Wednesday’s training session.
Jonny Evans, linked with Rangers in January, is also absent with a muscular injury while Marcus Rashford did trained. Although the 27-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit and is again unlikely to feature. He did last appear for United in the 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in the last Europa League matchday, however.