Clement urges Rangers to 'write history' at Old Trafford

Tom Lawrence (centre) is fit again for Rangers, having last played in early November

Manager Philippe Clement will not "park the bus" at Old Trafford as he urges Rangers to "write history" with a first win against Manchester United.

Both sides are well placed to progress in the Europa League, with the hosts on 12 points from six matches and Rangers one point behind in eighth place.

The teams met on Champions League duty in 2003 and 2010, with United winning three of those group games and the other ending 0-0 when Walter Smith's side frustrated Sir Alex Ferguson with a masterclass of defensive football.

Clement is not minded to deploy the same tactics against a side that has lost four of their past five home matches in the Premier League, where they occupy 13th place.

"I'm not somebody who believes in parking a bus in front of goal and hoping that nothing happens, hoping to come one time on the other side to score a goal," said Clement.

"So we'll play to our qualities. Of course, we also need to consider the qualities of Manchester United.

"It's a really, really big challenge. The spotlight is on the players and it's a massive opportunity.

"I know my team and my squad will embrace those moments. You dream of being in stadiums like this."

Butland & Lawrence return but eight players out

Clement welcomes former Manchester United youth Tom Lawrence back from injury, along with first-choice goalkeeper Jack Butland, who has missed six matches following concerns over an internal bleed.

Mohamed Diomande is suspended, while Ianis Hagi and Danilo were not included in the club's European squad, which keeps new loan arrival Rafael Fernandes out too.

"It is about the full squad digging in together," said Clement.

"Fringe players don't need to prove anything to me, it's to themselves. We're missing eight starting players because of different things."

Rangers drew 1-1 at home to Tottenham in mid-December but have not beaten English opposition in Europe since overcoming Leeds United in both legs to reach the inaugural group stage of the Champions League in 1992-93.

"The most important thing for my group is to be focused on ourselves and not on all the noise around Manchester United," added Clement.

"We need to get the best out of each other. It's about what we do on the pitch with and without the ball.

"The team is doing better and better in the last couple of months. That's what we need to show to write history here.

"It's a very long time since Rangers won on English soil so let's go for the challenge and give everything we have."