Manchester United v Rostov Betting: Defences set to prevail at Old Trafford

After crashing out of the FA Cup against Chelsea, Manchester United will be hoping to bounce straight back when Rostov visit Old Trafford for Thursday’s Europa League last 16 tie.

The Red Devils conceded a second-half equaliser to draw 1-1 in the first leg in Russia, but are clear 1/4 (1.25) favourites with Betfair to progress to the quarter-finals with a victory in front of their own fans.

Having won just two of their 16 away matches all season, Ivan Daniliants’ team are hefty 14/1 (15.00) outsiders to record a famous victory against the tournament favourites.

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Three of the guests’ last four European matches have resulted in draws, and you can get odds of 24/5 (5.80) on them earning another stalemate in this one.

Considering the long journey and difficult playing surface at the Olimp-2 Stadium, Jose Mourinho seemed fairly content with his side’s 1-1 draw in the first leg.

However, nothing less than a convincing victory will do back on home turf, where the hosts will be looking to put Monday’s disappointing defeat at Chelsea behind them and maintain their chances of Champions League qualification via victory in this tournament.

This should not prove too difficult considering their opponents’ struggles on their travels, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return to the side should provide a significant boost missing the Stamford Bridge trip due to suspension from domestic competitions.

Goal

With the inspirational Swedish striker likely to prove too hot to handle at one end of the pitch, a United defence that has not conceded from open play in eight home games should ensure nothing goes in at the other end.

Considering Rostov have failed to score in eight of their last 11 fixtures on the road, odds of 8/11 (1.73) certainly seem generous on Mourinho’s men winning to nil for the fourth time in five home games in this season’s competition.