Rangers vs Manchester United predictions for this pre season clash. Manchester United face Rangers in a pre-season friendly in Edinburgh on Saturday, preparing for the 2024-25 campaign. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.
Club Friendlies | Jul 20, 2024 at 4pm UK
Rangers vs Manchester United Predictions
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Will Manchester United’s Pre-Season Preparations Be Derailed by Rangers?
Key Stats
– Rangers averaged 2.3 goals per game last season, highlighting their attacking prowess.
– Manchester United’s defence conceded 58 goals in the Premier League, reflecting their defensive vulnerabilities.
– Marcus Rashford remains United’s key attacking threat, expected to lead the line against Rangers.
Manchester United continue their pre-season campaign with a trip to Edinburgh to face Scottish giants Rangers. After a disappointing 1-0 loss to Rosenborg, Erik ten Hag’s squad faces a stern test against a Rangers side that also seeks redemption following a 2-1 defeat to Ajax in their last outing. This friendly fixture is crucial for both teams as they fine-tune their squads ahead of the new season.
Match Preview
Manchester United’s performance against Rosenborg was far from convincing. Ten Hag criticised his team’s lack of sharpness and cohesion, pointing out that goalkeeper Radek Vitek was the only reason the scoreline remained respectable. Rosenborg dominated the match, hitting the woodwork four times before finally scoring the decisive goal in the closing stages. This performance underscored the Red Devils’ need for improvement before they face sterner opposition in the United States, including Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool.
United’s upcoming clash with Rangers is part of their intense pre-season schedule, which culminates in the Community Shield match against Manchester City. The squad, having secured Europa League qualification by winning the FA Cup, now aims to build momentum and rectify last season’s eighth-place Premier League finish, their worst in the competition’s history.
Rangers, managed by Philippe Clement, have also had a rocky start to their pre-season, losing to Ajax despite Tom Lawrence’s goal. The Scottish side, who finished second in the Premiership last season and won the Scottish League Cup, have bolstered their squad with significant signings, including Mohamed Diomande from Nordsjaelland. With several high-profile fixtures ahead, including games against Birmingham City and Union Berlin, Rangers are keen to fine-tune their tactics and player combinations.
Team News
Rangers received a boost with the return of Danilo, who made his first appearance since a severe knee injury last December. Clement is expected to field a strong starting XI, including Jack Butland, Connor Goldson, Diomande, and Lawrence. New signing Connor Barron is likely to start in midfield, and Cyriel Dessers, who scored 22 goals last season, will lead the attack. However, James Tavernier, Todd Cantwell, and Nico Raskin will miss out due to injuries.
Manchester United will be without several key players, including Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, and more, due to international commitments and injuries. Tyrell Malacia is also unavailable as he recovers from a knee injury. However, Harry Maguire might return, and new signings Andre Onana, Victor Lindelof, Amad Diallo, and Antony could feature. Ten Hag is likely to give opportunities to young players like Harry Amass, Toby Collyer, and Ethan Wheatley, while Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro are expected to join the squad later.
Expected Lineups
Rangers Possible Starting XI: Butland; Nsiala, Goldson, Balogun, Yilmaz; Diomande, Barron; Dowell, Lawrence, Wright; Dessers
Manchester United Possible Starting XI: Onana; Ogunneye, Fish, Evans, Amass; Casemiro, Mount, McTominay; Antony, Wheatley, Rashford
Key Areas and Player Duels
One of the key areas in this match will be the midfield battle. Manchester United’s Casemiro, who brings immense experience and defensive solidity, will be pivotal in breaking up Rangers’ attacks and initiating counter-attacks. Meanwhile, Diomande’s role for Rangers will be crucial in ensuring they maintain control and create opportunities for their forwards.
Another interesting duel will be between Marcus Rashford and Connor Goldson. Rashford, United’s primary attacking threat, will look to exploit any defensive weaknesses, while Goldson will need to be at his best to keep the England international quiet.
Gameplay Predictions
Both teams are likely to adopt different strategies. Manchester United, under Ten Hag, will aim to control possession and press high, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from Rangers. Conversely, Rangers will focus on a more balanced approach, combining solid defensive organisation with quick transitions to catch United off guard.
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Managerial Analysis
Manchester United’s attacking flair is their main strength, with players like Rashford and Antony capable of creating and scoring goals. However, their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly with key players missing, could be exploited. Ten Hag needs to instil greater defensive discipline and cohesion to complement their attacking prowess.
For Rangers, their high pressing and quick transitions have been effective, but they must ensure they do not leave themselves exposed at the back. Clement’s tactical flexibility will be tested against a top-tier opponent like Manchester United. His inexperience at this level could be a limiting factor, and Rangers’ defensive organisation needs to be robust to withstand United’s attacking threats.
Critique of Manchester United’s Strategy and Management
Manchester United’s pre-season has highlighted significant issues, particularly in their defensive organisation and lack of sharpness in attack. Ten Hag’s tenure has been marked by inconsistency, and his tactical decisions often come under scrutiny. His insistence on playing out from the back sometimes leaves the team vulnerable to high pressing, and there needs to be a more pragmatic approach against stronger teams.
Additionally, Ten Hag’s handling of squad rotation and young players’ development has been questionable. While giving opportunities to young talents is commendable, there needs to be a balance to ensure the team remains competitive and cohesive. The manager’s ability to adapt his tactics and improve the team’s defensive solidity will be crucial in the upcoming season.
Expected Goals Analysis
Manchester United’s expected goals (xG) statistics from last season reflect their attacking capabilities but also highlight their defensive issues. Averaging 1.5 goals per game, they need to convert more of their chances to improve their goal tally. Rangers, on the other hand, averaged 2.3 goals per game in the Scottish Premiership, indicating their offensive strength. However, their defence, conceding 0.8 goals per game, will be tested against United’s attack.
Predictions
Best Bet: Draw and Both Teams to Score Given both teams’ attacking strengths and defensive vulnerabilities, a draw with both teams finding the net seems likely. Manchester United’s inconsistent defence and Rangers’ high pressing should lead to an open game with goals at both ends.
Correct Score Prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Rangers Reflecting the best bet, a 2-2 draw appears a plausible outcome. Both teams have shown they can score, and their defensive frailties suggest multiple goals will be conceded.
Goalscorer Prediction: Marcus Rashford to Score Anytime Marcus Rashford, United’s key forward, is expected to be a significant threat. His pace, positioning, and finishing make him a likely candidate to score against a Rangers defence that can be vulnerable to quick attacks.
First Half Result Prediction: Draw Given the cautious start expected from both sides, a draw at halftime is likely. Both teams will aim to settle into the game, making a level scoreline at the break a probable scenario.
Innovative Market Prediction: Over 2.5 Shots on Target by Antony Antony’s role as a creative and attacking force for United will see him take multiple shots on goal. Given Rangers’ defensive setup, Antony will have opportunities to test the goalkeeper, making over 2.5 shots on target a reasonable prediction.
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