FC Rostov might have been underdogs for their Europa League second-leg meeting with Manchester United, but this still felt odd.
The Russian club, who dropped down from the Champions League after finishing third in their group behind Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, held United to a 1-1 draw in their first leg.
That left José Mourinho’s side knowing a goalless draw, or a win by any scoreline, would see them progress to the quarter-finals.
And they will surely have been given extra encouragement by the state of their opponents’ substitutes bench for the return leg at Old Trafford.
With seven substitute slots available, Rostov named just four men on the bench – including first leg goalscorer Aleksandr Bukharov and January signing Marko Dević.
#mufc v #rostov teams pic.twitter.com/oY0Qfnzlx1
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) March 16, 2017
Those watching the game were confused more than anything, with no reason initially given for the Russian outfit seemingly travelling light, though injuries and suspensions are thought to have played a part.
why do rostov only have 4 subs?
— Al (@slice_wakjer) March 16, 2017
How have FC Rostov only got 4 subs?
— Alex Addison (@AlexAlexadd) March 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/ffsGeorge/status/842466890941403136
Why have Rostov only got 4 subs 😂😂😂
— Joe Aylward (@joeayl2000) March 16, 2017
Some United fans grew in confidence after hearing the news, but others were terrified at the treatment they might get if they fail to progress.
https://twitter.com/mancmalaga/status/842455827751555072
Rostov are loaded with injuries and suspensions. Only 4 subs. Yet we may still struggle
— Iji (@Onahi_) March 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/haldad8/status/842467032444596226
https://twitter.com/AKidNamedClint/status/842467159397797888
The threadbare Rostov squad conjures memories of Stoke City’s European exploits under Tony Pulis in the 2011/12 season, when they travelled with a squad of 15 for their knockout defeat at the hands of Valencia (and only used two of their four available replacements on the night).
