The clash will determine which side finishes top of the group, as United need to win by at least two goals to surpass tonight’s opponents as overall winners.
The first-placed team will receive a bye past the next round, avoiding a play-off fixture with a third-placed side from the Champions League in February. In an already congested season, this could be crucial for the Reds later in the campaign.
Despite Anthony Martial returning to training this week, the Frenchman has not travelled with the rest of the squad, as Ten Hag confirmed he was unavailable for selection. A potentially season-defining match awaits United this evening, as a many hope that Cristiano Ronaldo can continue his phenomenal goalscoring record in Spain to lead his side to victory.
They were supposedly dealing with an injury crisis ahead of this game, but they have started well. United have often struggled against Spanish opposition and they have a point to prove here. None of United’s forwards have particularly got going so far, bar Garnacho, who’s been eager on the ball.
Van de Beek has barely touched the ball so far. Fernandes is making infield runs and there have been a couple of opportunities to play him in through long balls. Ronaldo only has to jog towards the ultras behind the goal to get booed. His name was jeered before kick-off, too.
— Chirag Godara (@iChiragg) November 3, 2022