Man United have won just two of their past eight games in all competitions
Philippe Clement is ignoring the "noise" around toiling Manchester United as Rangers eye a statement Europa League win at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils languish 13th in the Premier League and manager Ruben Amorim described his side as "the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United" although he backtracked on those comments on Wednesday.
Clement, who has come under pressure amid Rangers' poor Premiership away form, said: "The most important thing for my group is to be focused on ourselves and not all the noise around them. It's about a football game.
"We need to show our qualities. We need to get the best out of everybody.
"It's not about all the noise around us. It's about what we do on the pitch with and without a ball. And that the team is doing better and better, the last couple of months, that's what we need to show tomorrow here.
"I'm convinced that our squad, our team can hurt any opponent. We need to do a lot of things right to get a good result here."
Clement on Butland return, United struggles & embracing 'big challenge'published at 19:47
19:47
Kheredine Idessane BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
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Rangers manager Philippe Clement has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for their Europa League clash against Man United.
Here are the main points:
Clement says he won't be afraid to take a bold approach despite having eight players unavailable. The Ibrox boss is glad to have goalkeeper Jack Butland - "it's clear what Jack has done" - and former Old Trafford academy midfielder Tom Lawrence back.
Despite struggling for numbers, Clement wants his side to "write history" with a first win over United and remains upbeat: "It's about the whole team and the whole squad digging in together."
The Belgian insists his team "can hurt any opponent" and is not paying much attention to United's struggles: "I'm totally not busy with that, whether the other team is high or low in confidence. We had it a few weeks ago before the Old Firm match when nobody gave us a chance. The team proved what they can do in big moments."
Clement is clear about one thing – don't give United any encouragement by making some of the mistakes that have blighted Rangers' domestic season.
He says: "We shot ourselves in the foot a lot of times in the domestic away games. We were dominating and creating chances but not scoring and then making individual mistakes. We need to take lessons from those games."
On whether this is his biggest game as Rangers boss, given the stage and occasion: "No, I never think that way. For me, the last game in the cup [against Fraserburgh] I treated with the same respect. The teams knows that also."
Clement wants his men to embrace the "really, really big challenge", enjoy their time in the limelight and rise to the occasion against one of the most famous clubs in world football.
He adds: "If you're a small boy starting to play football you dream of being in stadiums like this and playing games like this against good opponents. So they all love that."
'Positive result at Old Trafford would give Clement much-needed boost'published at 14:56
14:56
Alasdair Lamont BBC Sport Scotland Commentator
For this footballing giant, once the dominant force in the league but now miles off the pace and with a manager under pressure as a result of a yawning gap between them and their most bitter rivals, European football offers some solace from domestic tribulations. Sound familiar?
Ruben Amorim's Manchester United welcome Rangers to Old Trafford in the Europa League with plenty in common and little for Philippe Clement and his side to fear as they consider the prospect of automatic qualification for the last 16.
That may yet prove fanciful, but a positive result in the Theatre of Dreams is not beyond them if they can hit the heights of Nice and United cannot muster a better showing than they offered in defeat at home to Brighton at the weekend.
Clement will have to shuffle his pack once again with Ianis Hagi unavailable and Mohamed Diomande suspended in addition to the customary lengthy injury list. There could be a place on the bench again for Bailey Rice and Findlay Curtis, who both acquitted themselves well on Sunday, albeit against considerably lower-level opposition.
It is inconceivable that Rangers won't progress in Europe beyond this league stage, but what remains to be determined is whether they go through as one of the top eight or have to play off as one of the clubs ranked between ninth and 24th.
The computerised projections suggest 15 points will be required to qualify automatically, which Rangers could achieve with a draw on Thursday and a win in their final game at home to Union Saint-Gilloise.
Regardless of the outcome in Manchester, victory in that final game should at least be enough to secure a seeded place in the play-off round, but a positive result at Old Trafford would do wonders for morale and give Clement a much-needed filip as he seeks to justify the show of faith from the board.
Rangers' Dessers out of Leganes' reach - gossippublished at 08:37
08:37
Rangers are demanding a price for striker Cyriel Dessers that is unaffordable for Leganes, who tried to sign the Nigeria international when he was with Feyenoord. (AS), external
Vicko Sevelj wants Dundee United to bounce back from their Scottish Cup exit against Rangers in Sunday's Premiership meeting and believes catching the second-placed team is still a possibility. (Record), external
Man Utd v Rangers: Pick of the statspublished at 16:15 21 January
16:15 21 January
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Man United are unbeaten in all four prior meetings with Rangers and have yet to concede a goal to the Ibrox side (W3 D1).
Rangers have won just one of their eight away games against English sides in all European competition (D2 L5), beating Leeds United 2-1 in qualifying for the 1992-93 Champions League.
Ruben Amorim has won his first two Europa League games as United boss. Only two Red Devils managers have won their first three major European games with the club – Sir Matt Busby in 1956 and Sir Alex Ferguson in 1990.
Rangers' Nicolas Raskin has won possession more than any other player in this season's Europa League (48), doing so 12+ times in three different games this season, with no other player doing so more than once.
This game could be Bruno Fernandes' 50th appearance in the Europa League – the United midfelder has 37 goals and assists combined in the competition (20 goals, 17 assists), second only to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (34 goals, six assists) in Europa League history.
'Dessers is frustrating but you can't ignore his numbers'published at 13:57 21 January
13:57 21 January
We asked for your views on Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers after he scored a hat-trick in the 5-0 Scottish Cup win over Fraserburgh.
Here's what some of you said:
Graeme: You have to ask yourself a question, is he good enough? And many Rangers fans will tell you no, myself included. Very frustrating in that he needs for or five chances before he scores, but then at times his finishing can be very good. He will either put the ball in the net or fluff his lines completely, there is no in between with him.
Stephen: As much as he chips in with goals, I think it's time for us and Cyriel to part company, either this month or in the summer.
Jim: The issue I have with Dessers isn't the shots he misses, it's the daft decisions he makes that cost goals in tighter games. He'll stand still when others would run, he'll stick out a leg on a ball he has no hope of controlling, preventing it from getting to others, or he'll pass the ball to nowhere and throw up his arms.
Jack: I have mixed feelings on Dessers. His goal record isn't bad, but when I watch him play I don't think he will work going forward. He'd be a good squad player to come in and out the team but not good enough to start.
Anon: He is very frustrating but you can't ignore his numbers, which are decent. I'd keep him as back-up striker, not first choice, as you know he'll get goals. He seems to be best when running a defenders, particularly one-on-one and is decent in the air, but he is not a poacher.
'Tannadice trip more important than Old Trafford'published at 11:05 21 January
11:05 21 January
Jamie Currie Fan writer
The 3-0 win over Aberdeen was an important one. The most impressive thing was the sheer number of clear-cut chances we created. In the end, the scoreline probably flattered Aberdeen.
Hamza Igamane again was on form, scoring with a calm finish; he's becoming a Morelos-like talisman for this Rangers side and appears to be getting better and better in every game he plays.
Likewise Clinton Nsiala. He's grasped his opportunity due to injuries and adds some physicality that the likes of Robin Propper lacks, especially for domestic football.
Nsiala's first goal, against Fraserburgh, will help his confidence grow and hopefully he will come back into the side for Sunday's match at Tannadice.
I'm looking forward to the games this week. Manchester United have been poor at home under Ruben Amorim. Despite that, we know how good they can be and frankly it's the toughest game of the season for us.
I don't expect us to take anything but the players have to go with the mentality to fight for everything and see what happens.
Sunday I would argue is more important. It's another away match in the league, where we know all how we have performed and the lack of points.
Dundee United will be relishing it but we need to perform well and win to try to start a wee run of victories on the road.
Wycombe close in on Lowry signing - gossippublished at 08:18 21 January
Barron has no fear as Rangers prepare to face Man Utdpublished at 14:19 20 January
14:19 20 January
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Connor Barron is relishing a "dream" encounter against Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday, but insists there is no fear factor going into the game.
United manager Ruben Amorim said this is "maybe the worst Manchester United side in history" after their 3-1 Premier League defeat by Brighton on Sunday, but the Red Devils are seventh in the Europa League table, one ahead of Rangers in eighth.
Rangers go into the game off the back of a 5-0 Scottish Cup win against Fraserburgh, and are well placed to progress in Europe after taking 11 points from their first six league-stage matches.
"There shouldn't be fear going into any game," Barron said.
"It's one you dream of as a kid. It's another game so we look forward to it.
"Obviously they're a top side, but we're positive. We'll look forward to the game. We've got to go and do a job on Thursday and hopefully we can go and do it.
"Obviously every game is a massive game for this club and Thursday's another one."
'A professional performance but nothing more'published at 12:11 20 January
12:11 20 January
We asked for your views on Rangers' 5-0 win against Fraserburgh in the Scottish Cup.
Here's what some of you said:
Tom: Hamza Igamane congratulating Cyriel Dessers on his hat-trick at the end of the game and the smiles both of them certainly gives me the impression that there is a bond in the team which you might not have expected given recent away results, so give the manager credit for that and let's see how the rest of the season goes.
Ronnie: We beat Fraserburgh. There's nothing to shout too loudly about. Findlay Curtis looks like he has a future with Rangers. Other than that not a lot to say.
Stephen: Professional performance. Glad Dessers finally got a hat-trick, and I thought the young lads did well when they came on!
Allan: I thought we played well, delighted for Cyriel that he got his hat-trick, but he still miss too many. Clearly it's opposition we should beat comfortably and we did, we can't take much from beating Fraserburgh but I hope this run of home games has got us on a winning streak that we can maintain.
Lennie: What a find Clinton Nsiala is WOW. Disappointed that Cole McKinnon and Curtis never played 90 minutes, they showed more class than any of the other fringe players that were on the park, especially Ross McCausland, he seems to have lost his way, surprised he was not taken off instead of Zak Lovelace. Let's hope we turn up at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Alexander: A professional performance but nothing more. It was good to see the younger guys get an opportunity. There are still 'established' players not reaching the required standards of Rangers. We accept 5-0 any time regardless of opposition and we move on. Well done to Fraserburgh.
Elaine: Great to see some of the youngsters getting some game time and doing well. Huge respect to Fraserburgh who came and didn't play eleven men behind the ball for the whole game. Well done to their fans too, the biggest away support at Ibrox this season.
Peter: Pleased with the result in fairness to Fraserburgh they came to enjoy the day. They made it a bit hard for us in the first half, I know they're not the hardest team but Dessers comes out the biggest winner with a hattrick and man of the match, it's not often you hear that. I'm glad clement gave a lot of young ones a run out. Nsiala looks a good prospect, roll on Thursday, a big test for us.
Dessers can leave if replacement found - gossippublished at 09:04 20 January
09:04 20 January
Nigeria forward Cyriel Dessers, 30 will only be allowed to leave Rangers if a replacement can be recruited. (Scotsman - subscription), external
Rangers aim "to do something really special" against Manchester United in Thursday's Europa League tie at Old Trafford, says manager Philippe Clement. (Sun), external
Captain Bruno Fernandes, 30, urges Manchester United to be braver and show more belief following their Premier League loss to Brighton. (Mail), external
Sunday's 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton is expected to be the last game for Brazil winger Antony, 24, in a Manchester United shirt, with a verbal agreement reached on a loan move to La Liga club Real Betis. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Rangers 5-0 Fraserburgh: Have your saypublished at 18:37 19 January
18:37 19 January
Rangers fans, were you at Ibrox to see your side progress to the next round of the Scottish Cup with a 5-0 win against Fraserburgh or were you following along from home? Either way, we want your thoughts.
Rangers 5-0 Fraserburgh: What the manager saidpublished at 18:35 19 January
18:35 19 January
Rangers manager Philippe Clement tells BBC Scotland: "It was comfortable all game. We had the domination all the time, but the first half we should have scored more. Our last pass and our runs were not as good as they were in the second half.
"There are ones where I saw the normal things, and ones who did better than expected. It's a good result with a lot of young players getting this chance. We go through with no injuries and they get experience. You need to give young players the opportunity.
"The team worked really hard the last couple of months to be in a good situation in the Europa League. This is a massive challenge [against Manchester United]; we will go with belief and confidence.
"It's about creating consistency now. We need to create more depth in the squad because we cannot play with the same players every three days."
Besiktas want Lawrence for free - gossippublished at 09:16 19 January
09:16 19 January
Turkish club Besiktas are showing interest in Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence, who has just six months remaining on his contract at Ibrox. (Daily Mail), external
Besiktas want Tom Lawrence without paying a transfer fee, with new boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having worked with the Rangers midfielder in the Manchester United reserve side. (Aksam Spor, external - in Turkish)
Manager Philippe Clement wants to keep Ianis Hagi at Rangers for the long-term but the club will not trigger the option of an extra year on the Romania midfielder's contract on his current salary. (Sunday Mail), external
Zurich sporting director Milos Malenovic suggests the path is clear for Nikola Katic to leave this month, with the defender touted for a possible return to Rangers. (Bluewin via Sunday Mail, external)
McCausland 'learning from Cerny' as he 'battles' for starting spotpublished at 17:12 18 January
17:12 18 January
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Rangers forward Ross McCausland says he's learning from the man who's keeping him out of the Rangers starting line up.
Czech international Vaclav Cerny has nailed down the right wing berth this season and has limited his teammate to just three league starts this term.
"Václav, who's playing in my position, has been incredible for us for a number of months," the Northern Ireland international said.
"He's very good with me. He helps me with stuff in training and stuff like that. Just getting to watch him every week and some of the stuff he does is incredible.
"Even listening to the stories of where he's been previous in his career is incredible at an international level as well. Just to be able to learn off a guy like that is amazing. I think probably the main thing is he plays on the right and his strong foot is his left foot.
''For me, that's a bit different because my weak foot is my left foot. He's both footed. So I think adding that to my game and not having everybody know what you're going to do, having a bit of variety to your game.
The winger is hoping he'll get a rare start on Sunday when Rangers host Highland League club Fraserburgh in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.
"I think it's an opportunity for many of the boys, including myself, to go and show that we're ready to fight for the rest of the season," McCausland added.
"I haven't been playing or really getting minutes and that's something that is frustrating, but I'm working hard every day and I'm trying to change that. I'm trying to battle for a place in the team every week."
Image source, Getty
