Indulge us for a minute as we listing the the reason why, absolutely, not even this season’s Manchester United can fail to succeed in a European ultimate from this place. As a result of for starters, historical past would recommend not.
United grew to become the 134th aspect to win the primary leg of a UEFA Cup or Europa League knock-out tie by three or extra targets away from residence.
The earlier 133 all progressed to the following spherical. Even when some amongst that quantity can have benefitted from the now-defunct away targets rule, it’s important to like these odds.
Particularly as United are nonetheless, implausibly, the one aspect wherever on the continent to be unbeaten in European competitors this season, a streak that’s now at 13 video games.
In truth, their file at Previous Trafford on this competitors is one step away from perfection — 5 wins and a draw from six video games, final failing to win in September in opposition to FC Twente.
Again then, Erik ten Hag was supervisor, the workers lunch within the Carrington canteen was extra than simply soup and sandwiches, and Harry Maguire was only a centre-back.
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Why not even this season’s Manchester United can mess this up
