The Red Devils will be hoping to start on a bright note when they take on FC Astana in the opening group stage of the Europa League on Thursday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lads are set to host FC Astana at home as the two sides lock horns in the opening group stage of the Europa League at Old Trafford. The Reds have been hit with an injury crisis as winger Daniel James being ruled out of the tie after picking a knock in Saturday’s Premier League win over Leicester City.

French midfielder Paul Pogba is also being ruled out due to an ankle injury while defender Luke Shaw is also being monitored after sustaining an injury in his hamstring. Forward Anthony Martial has also been ruled out due to a thigh injury. Defender Eric Bailly is ruled out, too, due to a knee injury.

United gaffer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed Mason Greenwood, Fred and Axel

Tuanzebe will start against Astana, along with back-up goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

PAST MEETINGS

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between an English club side and a Kazakhstan club side.

CURRENT FORM

The Red side is unbeaten in their last eleven Europa games winning eight and drawing three.

FC Astana has just lost one of their last six away games. Manchester United are coming into this game on the brink of a 1-0 victory over Leicester City in the premier league while FC Astana defeated Shakhter 2-1 in the Kazakhstan premier league.

Manchester United possible starting lineup:

Romero; Young, Jones, Lindelöf, Tuanzebe; Fred, McTominay, Pereira; Mata, Chong, Greenwood.

Astana possible starting lineup:

Eric; Shomko, Simunovic, Postnikov, Rukavina; Mayewski, Logvinenko; Tomasov, Sigurjonsson, Rotariu; Murtazayev.

PREDICTION

United should be able to come out unscathed in this tie and are backed by the bookies to nick a win at home.

SCORELINE: 2-0

Manchester United is available at 1.25 to claim a home win over FC Astana, while Astana are priced at 12.90 to pull a shock win.

Written by: Iniobong Umoh