Manchester United Vs Roma
Manchester United Vs Roma Thursday 29th April 2021 – 20:00 (BT Sport)
UEFA Europa League – Semi-Final
Pick: Manchester United to WIN
Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: BetFred
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 26th April 2021)
Preview: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has lost all four of his semi-finals as Manchester United manager, one of which was in last season’s Europa League. Can Roma, bidding for a fourth consecutive away win in Europe, block the Norwegian’s path to another final by claiming a positive outcome at Old Trafford?
UEFA Europa League Betting at Betfair
Table of Contents
Manchester United – Red Devils in resolute mood?
So far this ever improving Manchester United side has made light work of a couple of Spanish outfits (Granada & Real Sociedad) either side of a tensely fought tie with Italians AC Milan. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men, currently trailing home Man City in second place in the Premier League, encounter similar opposition to the latter on Thursday, taking on a Roma team currently 11 points worse off in Serie A.
Confidence will be high, though, in spite of Sunday’s surprisingly dour goalless affair in Leeds that brought a five-match winning streak to an end. United have made the switch from Champions League to Europa League appear more seamless than others, however, recording four wins from six (D2) while conceding a meagre one goal – a last-gasp equaliser scored at Old Trafford in a 1-1 draw with Milan.
Club captain Harry Maguire missed the 2-0 victory at home to Granada that sealed a second successive semi-final through suspension. His return is naturally a big boost for this team, who have the pressure or trying to preserve the club’s long unbeaten home run (17 games) in this competition. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes will be looking to add to his 17 goals in 30 career appearances in the Europa League.
Roma – Fonseca’s men reserving best work for Europe?
Having emerged unscathed from a last eight tussle with Dutch Eredivisie leaders Ajax, Paulo Fonseca and his Roma team can now look forward to a first competitive meeting with Manchester United for more than thirteen years. Not that the Italians hold many fond memories. In their six prior encounters, only once, in the very first duel between the sides, did the Giallorossi claim the spoils (W1 D1 L4).
Roma tasted defeat on all three visits to England when playing the record Premier League champions. None more memorable – or infamous – than the 7-1 humbling sustained on their very first venture to Old Trafford in 2007. Thursday will mark the pair’s maiden encounter in the Europa League, though, the Italians no doubt keen to add to five victories from six knockout matches (L1) in this season’s tournament.
Three of those wins were on the road. 2-0 and 2-1 triumphs in Portugal and Ukraine, against Braga and Shakhtar Donetsk respectively, preceding a 2-1 scoreline in Amsterdam in which a late Roger Ibanez strike completed the turnaround from 1-0 down. However, Sunday’s loss in Genoa made it no win from their last four competitive matches (D2 L2), having slipped to seventh in the Serie A standings.
Don’t miss out on other Betting Tips & Predictions
Click here for more Betting Tips
Manchester United Vs Roma Betting Advice
At short odds, there are enough reasons to be found should you want to oppose the hosts. However, Manchester United are clearly the class act in this competition and are worthy of favouritism, both on the night but also in the outright betting. Solskjaer’s side remain unbeaten since dropping down from the Champions League, recording five clean sheets in six matches (W4 D2) en route to a second successive semi-final.
Manchester United Vs Roma – Key Facts:
- This will mark the seventh competitive meeting between these clubs, and first since 2008. Manchester United hold the upper hand though, with four wins to the one of Roma.
- Manchester United boast a formidable defensive record in this season’s knockout phase. They have conceded one goal in six matches – though that was at home to Italian opposition (1-1 vs AC Milan).
- Roma won the away leg in all three previous rounds, versus Ajax, Braga and Shakhtar Donetsk.
This is Roma’s first appearance in the last four of what is effectively Europe’s second tier club competition for thirty years. Fonseca’s team have not had it easy until now, overcoming Ajax, Braga and Shakhtar with wins in each away leg. Their current form is dubious, though. It is now no win in four (D2 L2). Conversely, Manchester United boast five wins from their last six fixtures, and don’t give much away defensively these days.
Best Betting Odds – Manchester United Vs Roma
Manchester United – 8/13 (BetFred)
Draw – 16/5 (Betway)
Roma – 9/2 (PaddyPower)
