Sheriff Tiraspol vs Manchester United
UEFA Europa League, KO: 16:45 Sep 15, 2022, Zimbru Stadium, Chisinau
A TRIP to the outpost of Chisinau in Moldova is probably just about the last thing Erik ten Hag and Manchester United need just now.
But after their shock 1-0 home defeat to Real Sociedad in the first round of games in the group stages of the Europa League, the game now takes on added urgency.
After their enforced weekend break, United should go into this fresh, although they will have one eye on their grudge match on Sunday at home to Leeds United.
That reverse to the La Liga side ended a feelgood period for the Dutchman after an impressive four-match winning run that included home wins over Liverpool and high-flying Arsenal.
But they will be well aware what to expect against ambitious Sheriff, who hail from the breakaway region of Transnistria, but who cannot play games there because of the Russian invasion of nearby Ukraine.
Incredibly, this will be their tenth European game of the season already, having put out European stalwarts Maribor from the Champions League, before losing home and away to Czechs Viktoria Plzen.
Last week, they hammered Neil Lennon's Omonia Nicosia 3-0 in Cyprus and of course, who can forget last season's heroics when they beat eventual European champions Real Madrid in Spain.
They are five points top of their league after just seven games.
How the bookies view it
Manchester United are as short as 1/5 in places, but can be backed at 1/4 with Coral.
Sheriff Tiraspol are 12/1 with William Hill to spring a shock and the draw is 5/1 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
The clubs have never met competitively.
Players to watch
Cristiano Ronaldo looked like he needed games on his last start against Sociedad after being sidelined by Ten Hag for most of the season. He is very short to net in Moldova at 4/6 with UniBet.
Sheriff's Nigerian striker Ibrahim Rasheed has already scored three goals in Europe this season and he is 4/1 to add to his tally on Thursday with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
United should clearly be too strong here, but don't expect a massacre. Sheriff are now experienced European campaigners and will give the Old Trafford side a game in Chisinau.
With the English giants as short as they are, back the Moldovans on the handicap with a two goal start at 23/20 with Betfred.
Sheriff have kept clean sheets in seven of their nine games in Europe this season and while United are a significant step up from the teams they have played so far, they are very much a work in progress.
The 31/20 with BetVictor for under 2.5 goals looks a very generous price for a contest that might be tighter than the layers think.
This UEFA Europa League match between Sheriff Tiraspol and Manchester United will be played on Sep 15, 2022 and kick off at 16:45. Check below for our tipsters best Sheriff Tiraspol vs Manchester United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
