Granada vs Manchester United; Devils to Deliver on Thursday night

Manchester United

Updated: 11/01/2025

2020-21 UEFA Europa League quarter-final first-leg preview: Granada vs. Manchester United – Estadio Municipal Nuevo Los Carmenes, Granada – Thursday, 8 April 2021 – 20:00 hrs. BST

After a morale-boosting coming-from-behind 1-2 win over Brighton in the Premier League last weekend, Ole Solksjaer's Manchester United return to Europa League action when they fly to Spain to play La Liga side Granada in the first leg of a quarter final tie on Thursday night. 

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The Red Devils had to fight hard to reach the Final 8 after a hard-earned 2-1 aggregate win over AC Milan with Paul Pogba scoring the deciding goal in the second leg. On the domestic front, United are back to winning ways, having registered three victorious in a row after draws against Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

Among the wins, the most notable was the one over unstoppable Premier League leaders Manchester City in their own backyard, the Etihad stadium.
Granada's La Liga campaign has been dismal with three defeats coming from their last five outings leaving them on the 9th spot of the points table. By contrast, Diego Martínez's men have punched far above their weight and have overcome Serie A majors, Napoli, in the Round of 32 to come to this stage.

Granada form: LLLWWL

Manchester United form: WLWWDW

Team News

Granada could well be missing six players through illness and injuries for Thursday's home clash. Center-back Jesus Vallejo may have to fill in for if Dimitri Foulquier if the latter is unavailable. Former Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado will lead the side's attack being the club's highest scorer with eight goals so far although the 35-year-old has failed to score from his three meetings against United.

For Manchester United, Anthony Martial is ruled out for a long time with a knee injury he sustained while playing for France in the World Cup qualifiers.

Solskjaer also could be without the services of Marcus Rashford who had to limp out halfway in Saturday's game against Brighton. In which case, Paul Pogba will have to take over duties in the left-wing.

David de Gea could well start between the posts against Granada even though Dean Henderson now appears to be United's first-choice goalkeeper. Lastly, Alex Telles who missed the Brighton game through illness remains a doubt for April 8th's clash.

Granada probable starting XI playing in 4-2-3-1 formation: Silva (goal); Diaz, Duarte, Sanchez, Vallejo; Herrera, Gonalons; Puertas, Molina, Kenedy; Soldado

Manchester United starting XI playing in 4-2-3-1 formation: De Gea (goal); Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Greenwood, Fernandes, Pogba; Cavani

Manchester United will feel they need a bit of luck after having been drawn against heavyweights like Real Sociedad and AC Milan in previous rounds.

Even though Granada have shown great pluck and resilience in their European outings, the forthcoming encounter against United could be a steep hill to climb for the Andalusian club despite it being staged at home.

Bet365 odds:

Bet365 odds are subject to change and were correct as of 07/04/2021.

Manchester United to win: 8/13

Granada to win: 19/4

Draw: 14/5

Correct score

Man Utd 1-0: 5/1

Man Utd 2-0: 11/2 (predicted score line)

Draw 1-1: 13/2

Man Utd 2-1: 15/2

Draw 0-0: 15/2

Man Utd 3-0: 10/1

Granada 1-0: 12/1

Man Utd 3-1: 14/1

Granada 2-1: 18/1

Draw 2-2: 20/1

Man Utd 4-0: 22/1

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