In the face of Premier League opposition, Partizan is natural underdogs ahead of this UEFA Europa League (UEL) clash. These shifts focus to when they will concede, rather than if, and they have failed to keep a clean sheet in five (W3, D2) of their last six UEL home games.
Partizan is, however, unbeaten in their last four UEL games anywhere, with both teams scoring beyond the hour mark in the last three of those. In each of that trio, the said period of the match also produced exactly two-match goals.
This is a must-win for Manchester United, with the ‘Red Devils’ recently dropping group stage points against lower-seeded UEL opposition for the first time since November 2016. However, United are unbeaten in their last six UEL away games (W3, D3), with the five producing goals seeing United open the scoring.
Albeit under different management, two of United’s last three UEL away draws have seen them lose the second half 1-0 after winning the first by the same scoreline. United’s opener in each draw arrived in the 31st-45th minute period.
Players to watch: Bibras Natcho was at the double in Partizan’s last UEL home game, netting either side of half-time.
Nearly a winning hero vs Liverpool at the weekend, Marcus Rashford scored United’s last UEL goal on hostile turf, doing so in the 61st-75th minute period.
Stat attack: Partizan’s last two UEL home draws have seen them hold out on a lead for less than six minutes.
Both of those draws saw them concede within the first 15 minutes of play.
Across all major competitions, United’s only away goals since the start of April have arrived inside the opening half-hour.
Will not play
Bailly E.
(Knee Injury)
Dalot D.
(Groin Injury)
Fosu-Mensah T.
(Knee Injury)
Matic N.
(Injury)
Pogba P.
(Ankle Injury)
Tuanzebe A.
(Hip Injury)
de Gea D.
(Convalescence)
Questionable
Shaw L.
(Thigh Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Fernandez J. (Esp),
Venue: Stadion Partizan (Belgrade)