Manchester United travel to Ukraine to take on Zorya Luhansk in their final group stage match of the Europa League. United need at least a point in this game if they want to qualify for the next round. Zorya on the other hand will be playing for pride as they have already been knocked out of the tournament drawing two and losing three matches.
There were rumors that the match might get cancelled after temperatures in Odessa dropped to -9C. But ground officials as well as officials from UEFA have been working round the clock to get The Chornomorets Stadium ready in time for the match. Jose Mourinho expressed his concern regarding the ground.
"The pitch is hard and very icy. UEFA know the conditions of the pitch and everybody knows in mid-December the conditions in Ukraine and Eastern Europe are more difficult. If UEFA are worried about it they should change the fixtures and not allow them to be played in mid-December. I know it's difficult to have a better pitch. The stadium is beautiful and new. The pitch is the same. They are trying. People cannot make miracles. Let's hope it is OK" The Sun quoted Mourinho as saying.
The Manchester United boss might make a few changes to his squad. Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw remain sidelined as they are recovering from injuries. Michael Carrick, Matteo Darmian, Antonio Valencia, Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin were also left behind. Wayne Rooney could come back into the squad after being suspended for the previous match. Eric Bailly is also in contention to start after being out for almost a month.
Zorya boss Yuriy Vernydub said his team are confident going into this match and are ready to "make history" when they meet the Red Devils.
"Every team has chances, Of course United need these points, but I think we can make history and it is why we will play as well as we can to get the victory. I admit our problems, we all have them. We lost our first game against United but we played well, our players were very good and our chances are strong. We want a positive result and a positive meaning for Zorya" ESPN quoted the Zorya boss as saying.
Manchester United could struggle in this match as they have not won a single game away from home in the Europa league this season.
Zorya vs Manchester United is scheduled to kick off at 18.00 p.m. BST, 11.30 p.m. IST.
Where to watch live
India: TV: Ten 2, Ten 1 HD. Live streaming: Ten Sports live.
UK: TV: BT Sport 3. Live streaming: BT Sport live.
USA: TV: ESPN Deportes USA, Fox Sports 1 USA. Live streaming: Fox Sports Go
Ukraine : TV: Futbol 1
Live streaming (subscription needed): MUTV.
