Manchester United vs Sheriff Tiraspol - What to expect? Cristiano Ronaldo’s return, Raphael Varane’s replacement & more

Manchester United can seal their Europa League knockout berth if they can take a point out of the match against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday. The Reds have nine points from four games and are second in Group E. Even though a point might guarantee their place in the knockout stages of the competition, Erik ten Hag would want nothing but a victory from his side on Thursday at Old Trafford. The three points will also keep them in touching distance with group leaders Real Sociedad.

United are slowly but steadily getting used to ten Hag’s methods. It is starting to reflect in their play. They have got some impressive results of late and have carried that form into the Europa League too. After losing the opener to Sociedad in controversial fashion at Old Trafford, Manchester United won the next three games in the group. They are sitting second in the table with nine points. It has been the opposite for Sheriff Tiraspol. They won their opener but went on to lose their remaining three matches. 

Read More – Manchester United vs Sheriff Tiraspol: Europa League Live Stream, Form Guide, Head to Head, Schedule, Fixture and Probable Lineups

The Moldovan side will need the three points to have any chance of qualifying from the group. However, it will be a tall order for them to expect anything out of the clash at Old Trafford against a resurgent United. Let’s take a closer look at the interesting things to anticipate from this match, which will pit the two sides against one another in a crucial Group E contest:

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play against Sheriff Tiraspol?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement in this game for Manchester United on Thursday has been the topic of intense discussion due to his unwillingness to enter as a substitute in the team’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur last week. Manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed Ronaldo will be in the squad for Thursday’s game against Sheriff. “It’s not difficult but I think we set everything and we answered all the questions. So he was out for one game and now he is back in the squad as usual,” ten Hag said ahead of this match. Despite the fact that Ronaldo is anticipated to play some part in the game, it will be interesting to see if he starts or comes as a substitute.

Ready for our latest Carrington workout 💪#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/1hszLMaWAb

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2022

Who will replace Raphael Varane in the Starting XI?

Manchester United suffered a big blow in the form of Raphael Varane’s injury against Chelsea. He left in tears at Stamford Bridge and now looks set to be out for a good while. Speaking about it, ten Hag said, “Rapha Varane isn’t in the squad. He will be out, certainly until the World Cup so he will not play in this block [of games] for Man United.” When questioned whether Varane could play in the World Cup, the manager replied, “I think so, but the prognosis we have to wait. We have to see how it develops, how the rehab will develop.” As of now, Victor Lindelof seems to be the favourite to partner Lisandro Martinez at the heart of United’s defence.

Manchester United vs Sheriff Tiraspol: Three points are a must for both teams

Manchester United might be sitting in the driver’s seat as far as Group E is concerned. They are placed second in the table and have nine points from four matches. Meanwhile, Sheriff Tiraspol are sitting third and have just three points from four matches. United trail leaders Real Sociedad by three points and they need the maximum number of points on Thursday to have any chance of getting the top spot when these two sides face each other on Matchday 6. As for Sheriff, anything but three points on Thursday night will end their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Europa League.