For some time now, the political situation in Ukraine has been rather unstable. The Instability has raised concerns around the Europa League match-up between Ukrainian Champians Zorya Luhansk and Manchester United that takes place on Thursday night. Fears were raised that the Man Utd team, as well as the travelling fans, could be targeted by local gangs and hooligans in Odessa where they will be based.
United management were made aware of the concerns and acted accordingly by warning the travelling fans of the potential threat not only from the opposing fans but from general political groups in the area. The warning letter read: “For your safety and security, you are advised not to wear Manchester United colours when in the Ukraine or attract attention to your presence in the city. Due to political sensitivity in the region, it is not just opposition football fans who may potentially pose a risk to your safety”. Shuttle buses have been organised to and from the game for the travelling fans to aid in the security efforts and the event is set to go down without security issues.
United will be looking to battle it out in tough conditions to book their place in the knockout stages of the Europa league when they take on Zorya tonight. The game was almost called off early on Thursday morning after temperatures reached freezing point and concerns were raised over the condition of the field. The red devils are sitting on 9 points from their 5 group stage games which has left them in 2
nd position behind Fenerbahce who will take on Feyenoord at the same time. If United win and Fenerbahce lose in Feyenoord, it will send the Red Devils top of the group. Mourinho, however, will just be looking for a draw or better as that will secure qualification to the knockout stages.
The last time the 2 sides met United came out 1-0 winners. With just 2 points from their 5 group games so far, Zorya have zero chance of qualifying for the knockout stages and the game should go United’s way.
Zorya vs Man Utd betting odds (At the time of writing):
Zorya: 9.98 Draw: 4.88 Man Utd: 1.32
Place your bets HERE