Manchester United vs Juventus Preview

It’s big game after big game for Manchester United as they return from London to host the Italian giants on Tuesday for the Champions League. It was a dramatic game at the Bridge as Manchester United came back from 1-0 down in the first half to Chelsea with a brace from Tony Martial, but could not keep the Blues silent as a scruffy, Ross Barkley goal retained Chelsea’s unbeaten run. Juventus have played United competitively eleven times, winning five, drawing twice and losing five. United have recorded four games in a row unbeaten against Juventus (3 W, 1 D) with the last game coming in the 2002/2003 season in February where the Red Devils won 3-0 in Turin and so won the tie. This is a must-win game for United as a draw at home to Valencia has dented their form after a sumptuous 3-0 win away in Switzerland. 

As for team news; Jose has openly come out and said that Alexis Sanchez is not fit to feature against Juventus after playing against Mexico late last week and featuring for the last moments in London. He has not trained ahead of the game. Valencia has had a mouth operation which is why he was omitted from the game against Chelsea and could still be a doubt, as is Diogo Dalot who was injured for the Portugal U21 side and so it is likely that Ashley Young will start again. And forget Eden Hazard! Anthony Martial has been in superb form since getting a run in the team and his goals have revitalised United as he is one of the squad’s best finishers and an artful dribbler. He has to start if United are going to get anything from the game and certainly will deserve a new contract given this rise from the ashes. 

As for Juventus, Sami Khedira and Emre Can are both out injured along with Daniel Rugani and so it is likely that veterans, Chiellini and Bonucci are likely to start in a 4-3-3 formation. Ronaldo is also likely to play on the wing against his former club and will be supported by the returning Paulo Dybala on the right and Douglas Costa on the left. A fully fit front three that should strike fear in the hearts of any defenders let alone United’s shaky back four. 

This is such a huge game for United’s momentum, especially since the reverse fixture is coming in a couple of weeks and could well be the determining factor for United’s Champions League campaign. Martial, Lukaku and Rashford have to work really hard to create chances and Paul Pogba definitely has to be on top form against the club that made him who he is today. Shaw and Young will have difficult tasks ahead of them and will need to keep calm. They cannot afford early bookings against Juve’s world class wingers in Ronaldo and Dybala. This could be a difficult game but United certainly have the class and ability to take on anyone, especially in the Theatre of Dreams.

Predicted Lineup: De Gea, Young (c), Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw, Matic, Pogba, Mata, Martial, Rashford, Lukaku

PREDICTED SCORE: 2-1 to United