Sheriff Tiraspol’s domestic success in Moldova has earned them the chance to play against Manchester United in this season’s Europa League.
One year after taking on and beating Real Madrid, the minnows are optimistic they can compete well enough to pull off another exit.
One of the Sheriff Tiraspol dangermen is winger Rasheed Akanbi, who scored and provided an assist in their 3-0 victory over Omonia in the opening group match.
Akanbi has scored five goals in all competitions this season and the 23-year-old has told a press conference he is excited about the opportunity ahead on Thursday evening.
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Akanbi hoping to play against Harry Maguire
Akanbi was quoted from his press conference by All Nigeria Soccer expressing his excitement at the upcoming contest, and says he wants to test himself against Harry Maguire.
He said: “I want to play against Antony, Ronaldo, Rashford, I am looking forward to playing against them, especially Maguire.
“The game against Manchester United is good for us. It’s good for FC Sheriff that we have tough opponents like this and are going to do our best because I always believe in everybody. I believe in my team, I believe in the coach’s tactics.”
Akanbi could be left disappointed, as Manchester United could well select a full strength XI for the Sheriff Tiraspol fixture, with no Premier League game this coming weekend.
Based on how this season has played out, this no longer includes Harry Maguire, with Erik ten Hag’s preferred centre-back pairing being Raphael Varane and new signing Lisandro Martinez.
Akanbi may instead get his wish later on in the campaign at Old Trafford, if United rotate for this fixture.
Maguire is a particularly high profile name for Akanbi to want to play against due to his high fee and exploits with England – but World Cup and Champions League winner Raphael Varane will provide an even tougher test.
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