United put on high alert over fears of a racist reception
MARCUS RASHFORD and Harry Maguire have spoken to team-mates about their experiences in Bulgaria ahead of tonight’s potentially combustible Europa League clash against Partizan Belgrade.
UEFA will be watching the match at a club who have just completed two games behind closed doors for racist abuse during a qualifier in August. And while United and Partizan called for a “celebration of football”, United boss
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted:
“After what happened in Bulgaria we had a meeting with the boys and we’ve gone through the protocol.
“We’ve spoken in general on subjects but of course Harry and Marcus, who were there, they were freer to talk about the atmosphere, how it was and what we can expect and what is the worstcase scenario.” Maguire said: “It was a sickening atmosphere [in Bulgaria]. It was something I don’t want to be part of again. If something does go off then we’ll follow the three-step protocol.”
The three-step protocol starts with a public address announcement to what is expected to be a 30,000 crowd. Next, the players would be taken to the dressing room for a cooling-off period, then the referee would abandon the match.
Solskjaer added: “I believe in people and I’m sure the atmosphere will be fantastic.”
Partizan boss Savo Milosevic, the former AstonVilla striker, said: “Tomorrow will be a celebration of football.”
United will be without their keeper David De Gea, who has not travelled as a precaution over a groin injury.
MAN UNITED (probable): Romero; Wan-Bissaka, Rojo, Maguire, Williams; Fred, McTominay; Greenwood, Mata, Lingard; Martial.