Manchester United welcome Swiss heavyweights BSC Young Boys to Old Trafford on Wednesday night for their final UEFA Champions League Group F match of the 2021/22 season. They will be looking for sweet revenge against the Swiss team that had defeated them in their last encounter.
Manchester United started their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 defeat by the hands of BSC Young Boys which was a shocking loss. Following a 2-0 win against Villarreal late last month, they bounced back brilliantly, drawing against Villarreal in their next match before winning three games in a row to secure passage to the knockout stages of the competition, doing so as the group leaders.
The Red Devils picked up a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace in Ralf Rangnick’s debut game in charge and will be looking to build on that triumph on Wednesday night.
With only four points from five games thus far, Young Boys remain glued to the bottom of Group F. The Swiss team has little chance of reaching the knockout stages, but they may still finish third and qualify for the UEFA Europa League because they are only two points behind Atalanta in third place.
With a win, and Atalanta losing against Villarreal in the other group game, David Wagner’s team might advance to the Europa League’s last 32. Young Boys, on the other hand, have only won one of their past eight matches in all competitions and will have to play out of their skin to earn three points at Old Trafford.
Manchester United vs BSC Young Boys: Head-to-head
Total games played between the two sides: 3
Manchester United wins: 2
BSC Young Boys wins: 1
Draws: 0
Our Previous Meetings: We’ve played Young Boys three times previously, losing in Group F to a stoppage-time goal in Bern after two wins in the 2018/19 group stage. Three years ago, Marouane Fellaini’s own late goal gave Jose Mourinho’s side a 1-0 win and qualified in the Swiss outfit’s sole visit to Old Trafford.
Manchester United form guide: L, W, D, W, W
BSC Young Boys form guide: D, D, L, W, L
Manchester United vs BSC Young Boys: Official Team News
Manchester United:
On Tuesday, Manchester United’s Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Jesse Lingard, and Edinson Cavani reported to training. French duo Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial are unavailable for the match as they have not yet recovered from their injuries, while Phil Jones is not listed in the Champions League roster.
Ralf Rangnick has hinted that he will make multiple changes to the lineup that faced Crystal Palace at the weekend, with three of the starters’ identities already established. Dean Henderson is expected to come in for David de Gea in goal, making only his second appearance of the season, while Donny van de Beek is expected to start in the midfield.
Nemanja Matic is also expected to start and will be captaining the club, which means Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes are unlikely to be involved from the start on Wednesday.
In Rangnick’s 4-2-2-2 formation, he should play deep midfield beside Scott McTominay.
The four-man defense unit should consist of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, and the returning Shaw, while youngster Teden Mengi might be in the mix. After seeing Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles shine in recent games, Wan-Bissaka and Shaw will be under even more pressure to produce.
Lingard, who has been deprived of playing time, should partner Van de Beek as one of the two No. 10s in the attacking third. Going forward, it will be up to them to generate opportunities for the team. Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford will be rested, with Mason Greenwood and Anthony Elanga expected to start upfront, with Amad Diallo as a bench option.
Must Read: Ralf Rangnick explains his tactics used against Crystal Palace
BSC Young Boys:
Ulisses Garcia has been ruled out of the visitors’ lineup. David von Ballmoos, Christian Fassnacht, Felix Mambibi, Jean-Pierre Nsame, Joel Monteiro, and Esteban Petignat, on the other hand, will not be in England. Fabian Lustenberger, the captain, has returned from a major injury and could start at Old Trafford.
David Wagner will line up his team in a 4-3-3 configuration. In the full-back positions on the right and left sides, Silvan Hefti and Jordan Lefort should get the nod. The duo will try to push forward and put pressure on their opponents in the hopes of limiting United’s natural offensive breadth on the pitch.
Reise nach Manchester👉 Impressionen aus dem Belpmoos 💛🖤 #BSCYB #MUFCYB #UCL pic.twitter.com/7SdAoHj06m
— BSC YOUNG BOYS (@BSC_YB) December 7, 2021
The center-back pairing of Sandro Lauper and captain Lustenberger should attempt to defend the goalie. Christopher Martins Pereira, who will play holding midfield, will provide them with additional defensive support. The other two midfielders, Michel Aebischer and Vincent Sierro should be entrusted with helping the team in both attacking and defensive phases.
Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu, who had a terrific game against Manchester United the previous time they met, will play on the left flank, while Meschak Elia will play on the right. Jordan Siebatcheu, the team’s top scorer, should lead the line for Young Boys.
Our Key Player to watch: Donny Van de Beek
Since joining Manchester United in the summer of 2020, the Netherlands international has had a difficult year. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was never a fan of Donny van de Beek, and his hesitation to play the midfielder was clearly seen. With the change in management, the ex-Ajax star will be able to start fresh at Old Trafford and revive his career.
The Dutchman will make his debut on Wednesday night, trying to make an impact on new manager Ralf Rangnick. A strong showing against Young Boys might help ensure that van de Beek gets more playing time in the future, allowing him to show off his skills in Manchester United colours.
Our Prediction for the match:
The fact that Young Boys have already defeated Manchester United this season will give them confidence. On Wednesday, however, they will face a team with a very different make-up and identity from the one they defeated in September. In addition, David Wagner’s team hasn’t been in the best of shape.
Meanwhile, Manchester United showed a lot of promise in their win over Crystal Palace, and even though Ralf Rangnick is likely to shuffle his lineup for this match, there should be enough quality on the pitch for the hosts to win comfortably.
Our Scoreline: Manchester United 3-0 BSC Young Boys
