Match fact - Rostov-on Don is listed as the most dangerous city in Europe with rankings based on composite crime indices. A major contributor to this phenomenon has been the proximity of the city to the nearby conflict in the Donbass. No Shaw, no Rooney ........................
Unfortunately, leaving Rooney behind points to him, rather than Rashford, being used to replace Ibra during his ban. The pitch does seem to be an issue so the last thing we need is another injury.
It points to him being used in the FA cup. I wouldn't look beyond that. As it goes the cup being on a Monday helps, there's plenty time between tomorrow and that and then we simply have the home game a couple of days after the FA cup one. We should put this to bed tomorrow and then we can take the second leg easier.
United and Russia have never gone well together. If United puts this to bed tomorrow, it will be a very laudable achievement but I doubt it somehow.
Particularly Rostov - they have been doing well at home this year. It's away from home where they tend to fall apart. Will be tough for some of the players, particularly given the tendency for racism in Russian crowds. Personally I reckon a score draw or narrow win would be as good as we could realistically hope for in this one, that would make the OT game fairly straightforward.
They have just come back from their winter break so, hopefully, they might be a little rusty. Anything short of a stupid loss and no injuries would be a result.
I shall watch this one from the comfort of a pub I think. The sun is shining, spring has sprung, and it calls for some beer and football. United to win by a goal in a dour game is how I see this panning out.
If we can get out of here at 1-1 and with no injuries then it's be a good result. Bad pitch is going to make recovery for the FA Cup game more difficult tho'
Having seen them now, I'm worried they will score an away goal. I think we have to win at home. Outscore them, in effect.