United’s interest in last season’s Champions League (CL) was ended by a La Liga team in March 2018, meaning that the two-time CL winners have now won just once in the last seven occasions that a La Liga team has visited Old Trafford.
Manchester United are in desperate need of a win when they welcome Valencia to Old Trafford in theChampions League group stages this evening.
Jose Mourinho’s side secured victory over Young Boys in the opening game of Group H, but after three domestic matches without victory the pressure is on to deliver three points tonight.
United have lost just one of their last 18 Champions League group stage games at Old Trafford (W12, D5); a 1-0 defeat to CFR Cluj in December 2012. They have won eight of their last nine such games since that defeat (D1).
In terms of early team news, Alexis Sanchez is expected to return to the match-day squad, however Jesse Lingard, Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera and Ashley Young have been ruled out due to fitness problems.
Stick with us for all the latest build up, match analysis and score updates tonight LIVE from Old Trafford
With United currently low on confidence after the club’s worst-ever Premier League start – a United win by a comfortable margin looks unlikely. That said, United’s home record in the CL against teams drawn from pot 3 is excellent, with the Red Devils winning their last three games in that category, and outscoring opponents at a 4:1 ratio.
Overall, Valencia’s CL record from the club’s last three away games, at the grounds of teams with a higher UEFA coefficient, reads: W0, D0, L3. Additionally, two of those three games have seen the Valencians lose by a margin of 2+ goals and fail to score.
Intriguingly, the Red Devils have a much longer-running tradition of making hard work of Spanish teams. Deportivo La Coruna are the last Spanish outfit to fall by 2+ goals at Old Trafford – doing so way back in 2002/03!
Team news will be interesting
David de Gea’s absence as the squad arrived last night was noteworthy but a few years ago Memphis Depay checked in at The Lowry Hotel later on after he was selected at random for a drugs test, so it is possible De Gea has to stay behind at Carrington or he merely suffered an injury in training.
There will be huge interest around the team news; some need to be dropped after West Ham, will Alexis Sanchez come back in? Do Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial keep their places? It feels like the time for Jose Mourinho to experiment but tonight is not necessarily the match for it and he does not have time on his side.
Players to watch: Despite his issues with the manager, a brace and an assist on CL matchday one has given Paul Pogba (MUN) the flavour for goals again!
LIVE STREAMING MANCHESTER UNITED VS VALENCIA 3.10.2018
Here’s a look at how Group H looks ahead of tonight’s matches.
Had Michy Batshuayi (VAL) converted a clear chance six minutes before Valencia went 1-0 down on matchday one, he could have been a hero. He will be itching for more success here!
Stat attack: The last three H2H encounters have seen Valencia fail to beat United or keep a clean sheet.
Against all opponents, Valencia are winless in 13 of their last 14 CL away days.
United teams have scored 2+ goals in five of their last six group games at Old Trafford.
Will not play
Herrera A.
(Knock)
Lingard J.
(Groin Injury)
Rojo M.
(Knock)
Young A.
(Knock)
de Gea D.
(Coach’s decision)
Questionable
Gaya J.
(Hip Injury)
Mina S.
(Knee Injury)
Piccini C.
(Illness)
Torres F.
(Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Vincic S. (Slo)
Venue: Old Trafford (Manchester)