The Giallorossi head to Manchester for the Europa League semi-final first leg tie on Thursday. The two clubs couldn’t guarantee a victory in their previous domestic competitions, with hosts drawing 0-0 with rivals Leeds and the visitors suffering a harrowing 3-2 defeat at the hands of Cagliari. The match will also see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reunite with his former players Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Manchester United are expected to brush off the jitters from the goalless draw at Elland Road and continue their superb Europa League run against Paulo Fonseca and his men. While a win against their local rivals would have been much preferable to the Old Trafford faithful, the draw extended United’s unbeaten run – having lost just once in the last 21 outings. They are also unbeaten in their previous 10 home games, winning the latest four of them. The Red Devils have found the net quite often this campaign with over 80 goals in all competitions, but their defence have been unconvincing at times. Still, with plenty of choices in the attack, Solskjaer have to choose the right combination for Thursday.
Roma have a daunting task of upsetting all odds and reaching the final. After a long and wearisome season, the Giallorossi are currently on a dismal streak of form with a single victory in their last seven matches in the Italian league. Fonseca’s side are seventh in Serie A, 11 points behind Juventus in fourth. However, their form in the Europa League has been neat this year, with three wins in their last four matches, including a tough two-legged tie against Ajax in the previous round. The 3-2 loss against Cagliari last weekend meant that Roma must shift their focus to the Europa League as winning is the only route for Champions League football next season.
Key Players
Bruno Fernandes: The 26-year-old Portuguese midfielder has been influential enough since joining the Reds from Sporting CP in January 2020 and is his side’s top-scorer with 24 goals and 14 assists in all competitions this season. Hence, this stellar performance has allowed him to carry United to second in the league as well as the Europa League semi-finals. His quick tempo while attacking and relentless defensive efforts have turned him into one of the best in the business. So it’s natural for the Red Devils to rely on him for the last lap of the campaign.
Luke Shaw: The former Southampton left-back has been in excellent form under his Norwegian manager. His six assists this season see him stand third in the entire United squad, while his average of 2.3 key passes, 1.2 clearances and 1.4 tackles per game this season is the highest he has managed in his entire Premier League career. Also able to play as a central defender in a back three formation, Luke Shaw has been one of the key players in United’s successful 2020/21 season.
Borja Mayoral: Arriving on a two-year loan from Real Madrid last summer, the 24-year-old has lived up to the expectation thus far. Mayoral has found the net eight times in 24 Serie A games but cemented his position as a reliable forward with seven goals and two assists in 12 Europa League appearances. Brought as an understudy to Edin Dzeko, Mayoral scored some vital goals in the Europa League, keeping Roma’s continental dreams alive. If he continues his fine form to the United game, Roma could reportedly make his deal a permanent one in the next window.
Lorenzo Pellegrini: The young Roma captain has stood out a number of times this season. Five goals and six assists in 31 Serie A appearances may not prove his pivotal role for the Giallorossi, but the Italian midfielder records 81% in pass accuracy while taking 1.7 shots per game. But most importantly, he controls the game at his will with 1.8 key passes and 1.4 long balls per match. Additionally, Pellegrini has been starting in almost every single game for Roma, which can only display his impressive versatility and stamina.
Prediction
United have won all their Europa League fixtures since being eliminated from the Champions League group stage and overcame Real Sociedad, AC Milan and Granada to reach the semis.
And now that they stand second in the Premier League table, the Norwegian coach has finally turned the tide for his beloved club this season as United look firm favourites for Thursday’s tie and are expected to reach the finals.
Roma’s chances of advancement lie on the shoulders of their attackers Edin Dzeko, Borja Mayoral and Henrikh Mkhitaryan while Bryan Cristante, Lorenzo Pellegrini must create requisite opportunities against a United side who have conceded in three of their last five games. However, the Giallorossi themselves lost two of their last away games and would probably lose the third at Old Trafford.
