11th May 2017 Kickoff: 2005hrs Manchester United v Celta Vigo– Football – Europe – Europa League A terrific Marcus Rashford free kick was the difference between these two in the first leg played in Spain and handed Manchester United a huge advantage in their quest to play Champions League football next season. There was a noticeable gap in quality between United and Celta a week ago and it’s something that the Spanish team have to find a way of reducing if they are to stand any chance of making their very first European final.
As has been the case all season for Jose Mourinho’s men, a series of missed chances looked set to frustrate them and prevent United from getting what they deserved. It took a moment of brilliance from their young starlet to ensure they return to Old Trafford with the lead. Another disappointing result in the league away to Arsenal at the weekend means that any lingering doubt anybody had in relation to United’s best chance of making the Champions League was firmly removed. If they are to be mixing it with Europe’s best next season then they will have to win this competition, one in which they have been heavy favourites to do so for a while. Their record at home in the Europa League is strong with five wins and a draw from their six games – the draw coming in the last round against Anderlecht in a game they eventually won in extra time. Continuing that unbeaten home record will see them reach the final.
Celta are probably the most surprising of the final four with no serious European pedigree or history compared to the others. Whilst that has little bearing on the outcome of this particular tie, their performance in the first leg was one that you would expect from a team who are currently in 12th spot in La Liga. Up until last week they had been able to raise their game in Europe but they had not faced a team of the calibre of Manchester United and, if anything, they appeared to be a little overwhelmed by the whole occasion. Celta’s record away from home in Europe is decent, though, having won in difficult places like Donetsk and Krasnodar. It will be a completely different test for them on Thursday as they travel to a team who possess far greater quality, roared on by a vociferous home support – akin to the challenge they face when taking on one of the Madrid teams or Barcelona in La Liga.
Manchester United v Celta Vigo Betting Tip
The gap between these two was obvious a week ago and it’s difficult to see what Celta can do different if they are to turn this tie around. United have not tasted defeat at home since losing the Manchester derby in September, which is another indication of the challenge that their opponents face. I would expect Celta to set up trying to contain United and hope their wasteful ways in front of goals continue, leading to frustration.
Mourinho opted to rotate his squad once again on Sunday for their league game so key players will be freshened up for this second leg. The 1-0 result flattered Celta Vigo last week and they were lucky to escape their home tie still with a chance. I’m not holding out much hope for them at Old Trafford, though, and fully expect United to finish this game with a minimum of fuss. Four of their six home wins in this competition have come without conceding and I think that’s the way to go again in this one.
Manchester United to win to nil 6/4 Bet365
