By Ryan Niven

Manchester is set to see the Rangers invasion as United host Rangers in a mouthwatering Europa League tie.

In 2008 Rangers fans descended upon the English City for their European final. The scenes that followed were described by some as nothing short of an embarrassment to Scottish football. Drunken antics, rioting and police officers injured, the Glasgow club were condemned by police and politicians alike. Local council chiefs and Police were also criticised for their handling of the event.

Just under seventeen years later Rangers fans return to the city where they previously laid a wake of destruction. Thursday’s fixture marks only the second time Rangers have been to Manchester since that fateful day in 2008. Whilst they were on their best behaviour the last time out having such a enthralling fixture that has so much pressure attached could lead to worrying scenes being repeated.

Gers fans have been giving an allocation of over 3,500 for the match however with the magnitude of the match many more are expected to make the trip down. An event dubbed ‘Rangers Takeover’ has been set up to house two thousand ticketless fans in the Trafford Park area of the city. Ex-Rangers player Marvin Andrews is attending as a special guest in a gathering dubbed as family friendly. It is clear to see steps are being taken to ensure the scenes of 2008 are never repeated.

On the pitch the game is expected to be 90 minutes of frantic action. Manchester United are poor at home whilst Rangers struggle away. Europe has been a saving grace for the Ibrox club with them unbeaten away from home in European competition. It will be a spectacle for all as the latest edition of the Battle of Britain takes place.

Regardless of what happens on the pitch the hope will be that there are no unsavoury scenes of the pitch. Both sets of supporters expect a big result and with tension in the air the authorities will have to make sure it doesn’t spill over.