Thursday’s FC Sheriff vs Manchester United at the Zimbru Stadium will be a chance for Manchester United to regain its winning ways.
This week, the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League resumes with Matchday 2 of the group stage. Manchester United will face Sheriff Tiraspol at the Zimbru Stadium earlier on Thursday as they attempt to rebound from last week’s loss.
FC Sheriff Preview
Sheriff Tiraspol’s 2022/23 campaign to qualify for the UEFA Champions League started in July. Viktoria Plzen eliminated the Moldovan club in the third round of Champions League qualifying, relegating them to the UEFA Europa League qualification play-off round.
Sheriff defeated FC Pyunik on penalties to go to the Europa League group stage, where they were placed in a complex group with Manchester United, Real Sociedad, and Omonia Nicosia. Stjepan Tomas’s squad began their group stage campaign with a 3-0 victory over Omonia, putting them top of Group E after Real Sociedad’s 1-0 win over Manchester United last week.
Manchester United Preview
The loss to Real Sociedad derailed Manchester United’s momentum since beating Liverpool last month. Before their Europa League debut loss to La Real, the Red Devils had gone four matches without a loss. And they will be anxious to escape relegation to the UEFA Europa Conference League by establishing themselves in Europe.
The encounter on Thursday will be the first time Sheriff Tiraspol and Manchester United have faced off against one another. The Hard Tackle examines the Europa League matchup in greater detail before the first-ever clash between the two clubs.
FC Sheriff Team Information and Strategies
Before his team’s match against Manchester United at the Zimbru Stadium, Stjepan Tomas’ preparations are not hindered by any serious roster difficulties. With goalie Dumitru Celeadnic recovering from a COVID-19 infection, the Sheriff Tiraspol management will be without the services of one first-team player on Thursday. Tomas will likely employ his preferred 4-3-3 formation for Sheriff Tiraspol, with Maksym Koval in goal. Gaby Kiki and captain Stjepan Radeljic will form the core of Sheriff Tiraspol’s defense, while Armel Zohouri and Patrick Kpozo will cover the fullback positions. Moussa Kyabou will be responsible for limiting the creative production of Manchester United, with Cedric Badolo and Moussa Diop providing him with defensive support. However, Badolo and Diop will be Sheriff Tiraspol’s creative catalysts from the midfield.
Abou Ouattara and Rasheed Akanbi will be the two wide attackers for the home team, trying to support the central striker by advancing inwards. Iyayi Atiemwen will lead the attack for Sheriff Tiraspol against Manchester United, with Steve Ambri and Key Tejan as substitutes.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Koval; Zohouri, Kiki, Radeljic, Kpozo; Badolo, Kyabou, Diop; Ouattara, Atiemwen, Akanbi
Manchester United Team Information and Strategies
Unlike his counterpart in the Sheriff Tiraspol bench, Erik ten Hag has a few reservations before the journey to the Zimbru Stadium. On Thursday, the Manchester United manager will be missing four first-team players.
Martial is not fit from an Achilles injury, whereas Donny van de Beek is battling a knock. In addition, Marcus Rashford and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are not included in Manchester United’s traveling squad, which is surprising given that the Red Devils’ next competitive match will be in October.
Upon Manchester United’s return to action following the international break, ten Hag will likely choose a solid starting eleven, with a number of reserve players set to see action. David de Gea will start in goal for Manchester United against Sheriff Tiraspol since Martin Dubravka did not travel with the team. The Red Devils will line up in a 4-2-3-1 shape.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez could reconnect at the center of Manchester United’s defense, while Diogo Dalot maintains his position on the right flank. The Englishman has not started since last month’s 4-0 loss to Brentford. However, Luke Shaw may be given a chance to prove himself.
Fred was horrible as the No. 10 against Real Sociedad, but he may get a chance to start with Casemiro when the Brazilian national team rekindles their partnership. Christian Eriksen has played in every game for Manchester United thus far and may require a rest. As a result, Fred may also receive a starting nod.
Bruno Fernandes will wear the Manchester United captain’s armband and assume his typical no. 10 position. The Portuguese international will play only behind compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, who will lead the FC Sheriff assault. Jadon Sancho and Antony should be Manchester United’s two wide attackers on Thursday.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Fred, Casemiro; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo.
How to watch FC Sheriff vs Manchester United Match:
- Teams: FC Sheriff vs Manchester United
- Date: September 15, 2022
- Venue: Zimbru Stadium
- Kick-off: 12:45 PM ET
- Stream: fuboTV (start with free trial), Paramount+
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FC Sheriff vs Manchester United Prediction
FC Sheriff 1-3 Manchester United
Last week’s victory over Omonia Nicosia propelled Sheriff Tiraspol to the top of Group E. As a result, the team will be bursting with confidence as they prepare to face Omonia Nicosia. However, Manchester United will present a different challenge than Real Madrid did in last year’s UEFA Champions League. However, the Moldovan team demonstrated in Europe’s best competition that they were not intimidated by their opponent’s stature.
However, playing away from the comforts of the Sheriff Sports Complex may be an issue to consider, as UEFA prohibits European matches from being played in Transnistria because of its proximity to Ukraine. Despite this, Sheriff Tiraspol will be optimistic about achieving a victory and likely score against Manchester United at least once.
However, the Red Devils will be disappointed with their lackluster performance against Real Sociedad at home. Manchester United could be too mighty for Sheriff Tiraspol, as Erik ten Hag is set to field an almost first-choice starting eleven. The Hard Tackle forecasts a 2-1 Manchester United victory.
