Manchester United will be expecting to progress into the Europa League final against either Arsenal or Villarreal, following their strong performance against Roma in the first leg.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side have a four goal advantage going into the match at Roma’s Olimpico Stadium, having won the first leg 6-2 in emphatic style, courtesy of doubles by Bruno Fernandes and Edison Cavani.
Roma meanwhile, will be hoping to carry out yet another unlikely comeback in Europe, which they have done frequently over the years, such as their famous Remontada match against Barcelona, but will recognise the difficulty of the task ahead of them.
The Red Devils have been in strong form of late, unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions, and will hope to continue this form going into their five remaining league games.
If United progress as many expect, they could be part of an all-English teams across both European Finals for the second time in three years, with the Champions League final already seeing Chelsea face Manchester City.
However, much of the build-up of the match has been negative for United, following the postponement of their Derby match with Liverpool due to fan protest, the first time such an event has caused a Premier League match to be postponed.
The protests have been rapidly growing following the aborted launch of the European Super League, with United supporters make their dissatisfaction with their role in the league as well as the club’s owners, the Glazers.
Solskjær recognised the importance in listening to the fans and hearing their frustrations with the club, but appeared unhappy with the violent conduct reported at the protests.
“Of course we want to listen, but it needs to be in a peaceful manner. We know as a club we need to communicate better and {the owners} have all apologised, they know they went about the announcement in the wrong way. we’re communicating with fan groups and that’s massive for us going forwards.”
Solskjær will be hoping the substantial lead his side have going into the second leg will be enough to resolve a longstanding issue since his appointment at Old Trafford, with the Norwegian losing all four of the semi-finals he has reached in his three years in charge.
There will be a number of familiar faces to United fans in Roma’s side, with Henrik Mkhitaryan and Chris Smalling starting in the first leg and expected to feature again.
A number of former Premier League regulars also make up Roma coach Paulo Fonseca’s team, with former Aston Villa midfielder Jordan Vertout, Newcastle defender Davide Santon, as well as the Premier League winning striker Edin Džeko amongst the players supporters can expect to see during the match.
In terms of team news, United confirmed that Daniel James will miss out through injury, joining Anthony Martial and Phil Jones on the side lines.
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