Ex-Man Utd and Rangers shot-stopper will not become involved in a single Red Devils debate

Roy Carroll has played for both Manchester United and Rangers and despite the two clubs’ current domestic woes, he insists tonight’s Battle of Britain is still a blockbuster

Ex-Manchester United and Rangers goalie Roy Carroll is used to Champions League nights – but insists Thursday’s Battle of Britain is nothing to scoff at.

The Red Devils are heading into the clash off the back of a crushing defeat to Brighton on Sunday. However, as part of the goalkeeping union, Carroll, 67, wouldn’t be drawn into critiquing United’s current shot-stopper Andre Onana.

“I’m not getting involved in that! Listen, the pressure is on them,” he told the Daily Record. “I watched the Brighton game and Onana probably knows he needs to do a little bit better. It’s not easy being a goalkeeper because if you make one mistake it’s a nightmare.

“It’s going to be a great occasion. I’m a big Rangers fan. I really hope they get something out of the game.”

Carroll stressed that Rangers, his childhood team, should approach the game with full confidence to pull off an earth-shattering upset.

Reflecting on his half-year stint at Ibrox under Walter Smith in 2007, even warming the bench behind Allan McGregor didn’t dampen his exhilaration during Champions League group games across Europe’s prestigious stadiums, or indeed at Ibrox Stadium itself.

Those times are treasured just as much as his ten Champions League caps for United. Tonight, he’ll be watching eagerly as a supporter, making it clear: “It’s going to be a brilliant occasion. It’s European football. Okay not the Champions League but both clubs are still absolutely massive.

“I’ve supported Rangers since I was a young lad but even I didn’t realise how big they were until I stepped inside the training ground and saw the facilities. And the fans… absolutely incredible. You can say that for both clubs and that’s why they will always be among the biggest.

“They’re going through a difficult time at the moment but I hope and believe they’ll be back sooner than later because big clubs like Rangers and Manchester United should be in that top level.

“I wouldn’t say it’s sad, it’s just football. You see teams going up and down. I remember when I was playing for Wigan and Manchester City were in League 2, fighting the play-offs to get promoted against us. It’s incredible to think now.”