Three plotlines to get the blood racing before Man United versus Rangers

Manchester United welcome Rangers to Old Trafford where victory would allow the home side to take a big step towards qualification for the last 16 of the tournament.

The Red Devils have played the Glaswegian club four times in European history.

They have won three of the games and drawn one of those matches and Rangers have not scored a goal.

The last match between the two was a feisty affair at Ibrox in 2010 when a Wayne Rooney penalty settled the match in a 1-0 victory in the Champions League.

Here are three storylines to look forward to.

United’s unbeaten home record versus Scottish opposition

Tonight’s game will be only the sixth time in history that a Scottish side has visited Old Trafford in a competitive match.

“The Reds are unbeaten in these games, and this is the third occasion when the Gers have provided the opposition.”

United drew 2-2 with Dundee United in 1984 and 0-0 with Rangers in 2010. They defeated the Gers 3-0 in 2003.

The home side have also beaten Rangers’ great rivals Celtic 3-2 in 2006 and 3-0 in 2008.

Amad Diallo and Jack Butland face former clubs

United’s star player this season has undoubtedly been Amad Diallo and he played for tonight’s rivals on loan in 2022.

The Ivorian played just 13 games and scored 3 goals for the Glasgow-based club.

Nonetheless, it was an important learning curve as it became a platform for him to enjoy a very successful loan at Sunderland in the 2022-2023 season.

Jack Butland signed for United in the January window of 2023 on loan but never played a competitive game for the Red Devils.

He has found a new lease of life north of the border and will hope to have a big say on the outcome of the match tonight.

Bruno Fernandes’ 50th Europa League appearance

“This game could be Bruno Fernandes’ 50th appearance in the Europa League.”

The United midfielder has 37 goals and assists combined in the competition (20 goals, 17 assists) for both Sporting Lisbon and his current club.

This is second only to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (34 goals, six assists) in Europa League history.

If Ruben Amorim’s side goes far in this year’s competition he will surely back himself to get the four-goal contributions he needs to overtake the Gabonese attacker.

Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

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