Anderlecht vs Man Utd Preview, Team News, Line-Ups, Betting Tips & Prediction

Manchester United will look to put one foot in the last four when they take on Anderlecht in the first leg of their Europa League quarter final in Belgium tonight. 

The Red Devils booked their place in the quarters after beating FC Rostov 2-1 on aggregate having seen-off Saint-Etienne 4-0 in the first knockout stage.

Anderlecht was a good draw for United as it means a short trip to Belgium against a side they should be confident of beating over two legs so it’s no wonder there are rumours Jose Mourinho is ready to focus his attention on winning the Europa League this season.

United currently sit fifth in the Premier League table and four points adrift of Manchester City so winning the Europa League could be their best chance of securing Champions League football next year.

The Manchester giants warmed up for the game with a comfortable 3-0 win at Sunderland while Anderlecht were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Gent.

Team News

Wayne Rooney hasn’t travelled to Belgium despite returning to training following an ankle injury as Mourinho says the forward still isn’t fit enough to feature in the first team.

Antonio Valencia is expected to return at right-back after recovering from a knock while Michael Carrick should also be restored in midfield after being rested last weekend.

David De Gea returned to full training earlier this week after a minor hip injury but Mourinho has hinted Sergio Romero will continue in goal after starting in all previous Europa League games.

Phil Jones and Chris Smalling continue to be sidelined by foot and knee injuries while Juan Mata is still recovering from groin surgery.

As for Anderlecht, star striker Lukasz Teodorzcyk is a doubt with a shoulder injury so they’ll be hugely disappointed if he doesn’t pass a late fitness check.

Likely Line-Ups

Predicted Score

Anderlecht 0-2 Man Utd: United have lost their last two away games to Anderlecht with the most recent of those defeats coming in 2000 but I don’t see Mourinho’s side losing this evening. The Reds have been grinding out results lately but I can see them easing to a 2-0 win tonight to take control of the tie.

Betting Tips

United are the even money favourites with the bookies but we can get new customers enhanced odds of 10/1 for a United win – just click here to take advantage of these crazy odds [winnings as free bet, T&C’s apply].

Here are some other bets I like the look of:

• Both teams to score at: 4/5 – a £10 bet would return £18
• Exact score of 2-0 United at: 7/1 – a £10 bet would return £80
• Ibrahimovic to score first in a 2-0 United win at: 16/1 – a £10 bet would return £170