Hryhorchuk’s team has struggled for cutting edge on the road in Europe, and Al Hain-Cole doesn’t expect them to cause the Red Devils any problems
Manchester United will be aiming to get off to a strong start when they welcome Astana to Old Trafford for their Europa League opener on Thursday.
The Red Devils have not taken part in this competition since the 2016/17 season, when they lifted the trophy under then manager Jose Mourinho.
Manchester United vs Astana latest odds
Having picked up their first win in four matches with a 1-0 home victory over Leicester City on Saturday, they are 1.20 favourites with Sportsbet to come out on top once again here.
Roman Hryhorchuk’s men have won just one of their last 10 European fixtures on the road, but can be backed at 15.00 to pull off a shock victory here, or 6.50 to claim a creditable draw.
Manchester United vs Astana team news
Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly are definitely ruled out, while Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Diogo Dalot are all doubts.
Zarko Tomasevic will return to the centre of defence for the guests, having missed Sunday’s league win over Shakhter Karagandy due to suspension.
Manchester United vs Astana preview
Although likely to rest the world’s most expensive defender in Harry Maguire, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are unlikely to have too much trouble in keeping their modest visitors at bay.
The Blue and Yellows have failed to score in six of their last 10 European away matches, including a trip to Andorran minnows Santa Coloma in this summer’s qualifiers.
They will therefore struggle to break down a team that have kept clean sheets against Chelsea and Leicester in their three home matches so far this campaign, and who conceded just three goals in seven games in their own back yard en route to winning this competition last time out.
Manchester United vs Astana predictions
All in all, odds of 1.83 look too good to pass up on United to claim both victory and a clean sheet when Astana come to visit.
Man United to win to nil for a 2pt stake at 1.83 with Sportsbet
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