Preview: Rangers vs. Manchester United – Pre-Season Friendly
As part of their preparations for the upcoming 2024-25 season, Manchester United will face Scottish giants Rangers in a pre-season friendly at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh on Saturday, July 20, 2024. This match provides both teams with an opportunity to test their squads and fine-tune their tactics ahead of the new campaign.
Recent Form and Team News:
Rangers:The Scottish side started their pre-season with a 2-1 defeat to Ajax, despite a goal from Tom Lawrence. Under the guidance of Philippe Clement, Rangers are keen to bounce back in this fixture. Key players such as James Tavernier, Todd Cantwell, and Nico Raskin are sidelined with injuries, which could affect the team’s performance. However, the return of Danilo from a serious knee injury is a significant boost. New arrivals Mohamed Diomande and Connor Barron are expected to play crucial roles, with Barron likely featuring in central midfield.
Manchester United: The Red Devils are coming off a disappointing 1-0 loss to Rosenborg in their first pre-season outing. Erik ten Hag’s side will look to address the issues highlighted in that match, where they struggled to find their rhythm and were reliant on goalkeeper Radek Vitek to keep the score manageable. Manchester United’s squad is somewhat depleted with several key players unavailable due to international commitments and injuries. Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund, and Tyrell Malacia are among those missing. New signings Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro are unlikely to feature in this game, with their debuts expected during United’s upcoming US tour. In their place, experienced players such as Casemiro and Marcus Rashford are set to take center stage.
Match Preview:
The clash between Rangers and Manchester United is a significant opportunity for both teams to assess their strengths and areas for improvement. Rangers, who finished second in the Scottish Premiership last season and won the Scottish League Cup, will aim to make a strong impression in front of their home fans. Despite the absence of some key players, their squad includes talents like Cyriel Dessers and Connor Barron, who will be crucial in their attacking and midfield play.
For Manchester United, this match is part of a broader pre-season strategy that includes upcoming fixtures against Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool in the US. The team’s recent form has been inconsistent, and Ten Hag will be looking for improvements in both performance and result. With several senior players unavailable, the focus will be on integrating new signings and assessing the readiness of younger players.
Prediction:
Given Manchester United’s stronger squad depth and the relative strength of their pre-season fixtures, they are expected to secure a narrow victory. Rangers will undoubtedly provide a strong challenge, but the experience and quality in the Manchester United squad could give them the edge in this encounter.
Possible Lineups:
Rangers: Jack Butland; Nsiala, Connor Goldson, Balogun, Jefte; Mohamed Diomande, Connor Barron; Dowell, Tom Lawrence, Wright; Cyriel Dessers
Manchester United: Andre Onana; Ogunneye, Fish, Jonny Evans, Harry Amass; Casemiro, Mason Mount, Scott McTominay; Antony, Ethan Wheatley, Marcus Rashford
The match promises to be an exciting fixture for fans of both clubs, providing a glimpse of what to expect as the new season approaches.
