Manchester United v Zorya Luhansk Betting Tips

Manchester United had a bit of a shock in their first Europa League match this season by losing to Feyenoord (although I have to say (smugly) that I tipped the Feyenoord win, so was definitely pleased by this result!) but they should better that result against Ukrainian minnows Zorya Luhansk. Having said that, Yuriy Vernydub’s side showed they are no pushovers by holding Fenerbahce to a 1-1 draw on match-day one.

Although they lost their next Premier League fixture against Watford following their defeat in Rotterdam, Jose Mourinho’s United side have suddenly improved. They managed to see off League One Northampton Town in a potential banana skin in the EFL League Cup before battering Premier League champions Leicester City 4-1 – being 4-0 to the good at half-time, United were able to take their foot off the gas in the second half, so, in theory, they should be perfectly fresh ahead of this match. 

I would once again expect United to field a bit of a weakened side at Old Trafford in the Europa League on Thursday night. Mourinho has a reputation of not caring about this competition and this will probably shine through against Luhansk – just as it arguably did against Feyenoord. This of course makes United a bit hard to predict as we are not sure how much quality will be on show. Having said that, you would still expect them to do the business.

Teenager Marcus Rashford made his name in this competition last season and has now gone on to become one of the most feared strikers in England. The United academy product started on the bench this season but has managed to force himself into Mourinho’s plans with his excellent form, form which has seen him score four goals in seven games, including three in his last three matches. 

Much was made of Mourinho’s decision to drop Rooney to the bench for last weekend’s win against Leicester City and arguably that call by the manager made more headlines than United’s impressive victory. I imagine England’s record goal-scorer will be given another chance to prove himself to the manager on Thursday and I think he will start. The former Everton man may not be on great form at the moment but he tends to stand up and be counted when his own pride is at stake. 

Zorya Luhansk are undoubtedly the minnows of this group, however, they should not be at all underestimated – they are not some random team from a poor league. Although they have had to move away from their home in Eastern Ukraine given the ongoing violence, Zorya have done incredibly well in the last couple of years and currently sit second in the Ukrainian Premier League. After their well-earned draw at home to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, Zorya managed to defeat legendary Ukrainian club Dinamo Kiev on their own turf – something that should not be sniffed at.

The Ukrainians will be under no pressure whatsoever at Old Trafford on Thursday and I imagine they will be really up for this match. Yuriy Vernydub’s are currently on a four-week unbeaten run in all competitions so confidence will be sky high in the camp.

Having said all that, you would still have to back United at Old Trafford and, given the attacking depth they have they should be able to put a couple of goals passed Zorya. Firstly I would look at United to score three or more goals at 10/11 which, seems quite generous.

Another tip involving goals is a United win with a total of more than three goals in the match. As mentioned above, United should be able to find a way passed Zorya and score a few goals, however, Luhansk are not a poor side by any means and are doing well in a competitive league. Whilst I would not be brave enough to back them in a Both Teams to Score bet, it would not surprise me if the Ukrainians scored at Old Trafford and, even if they do not, you are still likely to profit from this bet thanks to the two variables involved.

See more Europa League tips here.