Born in the south east of Ireland, Simon put his life-long love of football to good use when he started a successful independent blog in 2010. That opened up an alternative route to a career in journalism, and having had work published across a number of sites and publications, Simon joined the staff at Spotlight Sports Group in 2018.
The Europa League represents Manchester United’s last opportunity to win some silverware this season, and with a spot in the competition’s semi-finals on offer, the Red Devils won’t want to let their lead slip against Granada on Thursday.
Two goals up from the first-leg in Spain, United will kick-off the return fixture at Old Trafford in a commanding position, though concentration and professionalism will be required to see United over the line against their tricky Spanish opponents.
Thursday’s game promises to be an engaging encounter and a clash for bet builder and multi part aficionados to sink their teeth into.
Below, we’ve got tips for the match with that in mind plus our own 27/1 bet builder acca – and remember – you can read our detailed preview of the quarter-final in our Manchester United vs Granada predictions.
27/1 Manchester United vs Granada bet builder tip
Match result market
Manchester United haven’t lost a Europa League fixture at Old Trafford since Marcelo Bielsa’s free-wheeling Athletic Bilbao won there in 2012, and the Red Devils are expected to have too much class in for an inferior Granada outfit.
In addition, United have won five of their last six assignments, and Granada – who have lost five of their last six games on the road – look ill-equipped to match their host’s quality at the Theatre of Dreams.
Bet builder tip: Manchester United to win
Both teams to score market
Man Utd have kept seven clean sheets in their last 11 matches, and the Premier League giants never really looked under threat in their 2-0 first-leg triumph at Granada last week.
United have conceded just one goal in five Europa League matches since their demotion to the competition from the Champions League, and even without the suspended Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side should still be able to keep Granada off the scoresheet again.
Bet builder tip: Both teams to score – no
Goalscorer markets
Mason Greenwood is riding the crest of a wave having notched three times in his last four appearances, and having grabbed a goal and an assist from the bench against Spurs on Sunday, the teenage prodigy is in line to start against Granada.
The 19-year-old has endured a frustrating campaign in his second season of senior football at Old Trafford, though his recent flurry of fine finishing suggests he can end 2020/21 on a high.
Bet builder tip: Mason Greenwood to score anytime
Shot markets
We’ve picked out two players worth backing in the shot markets for Manchester United’s skirmish with Granada on Thursday evening, the first of which is the host’s midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rarely gives his prized asset a day off, though his decision to repeatedly start Bruno is understandable given his impact. The Portuguese international has registered more attempts per game than any of his United teammates this season, and Bruno racked up four efforts in last week’s first-leg, hitting the target twice.
Brazilian winger Kenedy, who is on loan at Granada from Chelsea, matched Fernandes for strikes at goal last week (four), and the wide attacker seemed to let fly when given a mere glance of goal. Expect him to lean on his shooting from range again this week.
Bet builder tip: Bruno Fernandes 2+ shots on target & Kenedy 2+ shots
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Free Super Tips is the home of Free Football Tips. Make sure to take a look at our most popular betting tips, such as our Accumulator Tips and Both Teams To Score Tips.
