PHILIPPE CLEMENT could again turn to Percy Tau tonight as Club Brugge go in search of “something bigger than a miracle” to progress past Manchester United in the Europa League.
United have the upper hand heading into the round-of-32 return leg at Old Trafford thanks to their away goal in a 1-1 draw in Belgium.
Clement had said Club Brugge needed a “miracle” even before last week’s first leg and the task has got harder due to key absentees including last week’s scorer Emmanuel Dennis.
Albion loanee Tau was withdrawn without making an impact in the first leg and was left on the bench at the weekend as Brugge drew 1-1 with Charleroi.
But his chances of a start have been enhanced by Dennis’ absence.
Boss Clement knows how big a challenge awaits at Old Trafford.
He said: “I said qualifying would be a miracle. Because of this (number of absentees) I need to find a bigger word than that.
“We need something extra there, so we’re going to try to take the maximum out of that and do something bigger than a miracle with a young squad who are less experienced but will have a great experience to play this game.”
Albion Under-23s boss Simon Rusk has been installed as one of the bookies’ favourites to become manager at League One Blackpool.
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