Prediction: Manchester United vs Huddersfield

Verdict: Draw/Manchester United

Best Odds: 18/5

Bookmaker: BetVictor

Manchester United are in a desperate need of a quick return to winning ways following the midweek Wembley disappointment and Jose Mourinho’s charges get back into Premier League action with a point to prove against out-of-form Huddersfield.

Manchester United

Red Devils lost their trident and were rather toothless against Tottenham who properly dismantled them at Wembley on Wednesday. Having conceded the third-fastest goal in the Premier League history – courtesy of Cristian Eriksen who put the ball in the back of the net after only 11 seconds – Manchester United failed to recover and ended up suffering their first defeat since December.

Alexis Sanchez was handed his first start as a Manchester United player but the former Arsenal stalwart failed to make a difference on the pitch and largely looked out of place, disrupting the flow of his team’s play in a number of occasions. Manchester United failed to make any use of their firepower potential with Romelu Lukaku once again failing to step up the plate against big teams in the league. the Belgian striker has now gone 540 minutes without a goal (and with only 4 shots on target) against the top-six sides in the current campaign.

Team News

Maruane Fellaini suffered an injury against Tottenham which forced him off the pitch just minutes after he was introduced and the Belgian will be ruled out with a knee problem.

Ibrahimovic is still unfit to feature and will be joined in the treatment room by Daley Blind and Eric Bailly, both out with ankle injuries.

Huddersfield

Premier League newbies have fond memories of their first encounter with Manchester United this season as they ran out 2-1 winners at the John Smith’s Stadium in the reverse clash back in October. Mooy and Depoitre scored a quick double-fire in the first half to rob Manchester United off with Marcus Rashford scoring the consolation goal with 12 minutes left on the clock.

It’s been a bumpy ride for David Wagner’s men ever since, however, with Huddersfield largely struggling for consistency in the Premier League. With only six wins in 25 matches thus far, Wagner’s men find themselves sitting in 17^th, with only a point in front of Southampton and Swansea. Given the Swans’ resurgence under new boss Carlos Carvalhal and their emerging run of form, Huddersfield could very well end up dropping to 19^th if they end up leaving the Old Trafford empty-handed. Four Premier League defeats on the trot offer little promise that things could pan out differently for Huddersfield.

Team News

Daniel Williams has shaken off his leg injury and could be set for a return to the first team.

Shaun Malone has suffered a knock, while Kachunga and Stankovic remain out of contention due to their knee injuries.

Key Factors to Consider

• Manchester United suffered their first defeat since October
• Huddersfield lost all of their last four Premier League matches
• Huddersfield beat Manchester United 2-1 in the reverse fixture
• United conceded the third fastest PL goal vs Tottenham
• Red Devils are 15 points behind leaders Manchester City

Conclusion

Manchester United have a big point to prove as they look for an instant response to their Wednesday defeat and a payback for their reverse-clash defeat to Huddersfield. Red Devils are expected to emerge as clear-cut winners from this forthcoming duel but we do expect them to struggle for rhythm a bit.

Verdict: Draw/Manchester United

Best Odds: 18/5

Bookmaker: BetVictor