Group A is probably the strongest out of all the Europa League groups this season. Manchester United start as the clear favourites but both Feyenoord and Fenerbahce will feel they have a good chance of claiming at least second spot, perhaps even top if United almost boycott the competition. Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk should not be underestimated either – there is always one team that surprises in at least one of the groups.
Feyenoord have made a superb start to their Eredivisie campaign having won all of their matches and unsurprisingly they sit top of the league after that stunning run. Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side have scored 15 goals in their first five domestic matches and have only not scored more than once in just one match. They also share the goals around as a team and do not just rely on one goalscorer with Nicolai Jørgensen, Dirk Kuyt and Eljero Elia all finding the back of the net three times so far this season.
It is not just in the attacking third that things are going right for the Rotterdam club, defensively they look very sound and they have only conceded two goals this season.
Jose Mourinho has previously said that top clubs should not be playing in the Europa League. It will be interesting to see how seriously the former Real Madrid manager takes the competition and whether he will use it just to give reserve players some time on the field. Having said that, Mourinho is a winner and will look to win whatever competition he is in and will expect the same of his playing staff – even if his team selection is weak.
United lost their 100% start to the season in the Manchester derby on Saturday as their rivals played them off the park for most of the first half. It was always going to be difficult to come back after such a poor start to the match.
Despite questions over team selection, the bookies make United the overwhelming favourites here. It seems the bookmakers have not taken into account the fact that Mourinho could field a weakened team – which of course will still be strong, but this certainly makes a difference. I think Feyenoord at full strength and in the form they are in will feel confident they can overturn United in Rotterdam.
With that in mind a Feyenoord win at 10/3 is too good to resist. If you are more confident about United’s chances then you can change this to Feyenoord Draw No Bet at shortened odds of 11/5. That at least means you get your money back if the Red Devils manage to salvage a draw.
If you fancy a bet that is completely positive for Manchester United then I would go with Marcus Rashford to score anytime at 2/1.
Having started last season playing U18 football for United, Marcus Rashford burst onto the scene by scoring a brace in the Europa League match against Midtjylland in February and has not looked back since.
It has long been said that Mourinho does not trust young players and that has been somewhat proved so far this season. However, he came on to score a dramatic late winner against Hull City before having a good impact in the Manchester derby (but to no avail). Mourinho has since said the teenager has now proved he should be starting for his hometown club.
The 18-year-old will no doubt start on Thursday night and, given his recent form and history in the Europa League, it should be worth backing him to score.
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