Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made three changes from the defeat to Crystal Palace ahead of today’s game away to Southampton.
The United boss was forced into two changes after Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial both sustained injury’s in last weekend’s game, with the pair ruled out until after the international break.
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As expected, club captain Ashley Young makes a return to the starting eleven, replacing Luke Shaw at left-back.
Juan Mata and Andreas Pereira also start in place of Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard.
It’s great to see another player get a chance in the attacking midfield role ahead of Lingard who has been underperforming for some time now, despite his endeavours in Solskjaer’s pressing game in defence.
While some Reds have welcomed Mata starting, many would have loved to see 17-year-old sensation Mason Greenwood get his chance to start his first competitive match of the season.
Many thought the youngster, recently called up to the England u21 squad for the European qualifiers, would be a natural replacement for Martial who has led the line so far for Solskjaer this season.
But Greenwood has to settle for a place on the bench on this occasion, and will look to make an impact when he comes on against a tiring Saints defence.
Greenwood is still extremely young and fans will have to be patient in waiting to see him starting regularly under Solskjaer.
See some fan reaction below:
STARTING XI;
No Greenwood is a little bit of a shock – it's more of the line up we wanted vs Palace tbh. Hoping for a little more quality on the ball today, and better chances inside the final 3rd. COME ON UNITED! #MUFC pic.twitter.com/7xChR1XBxP
— Stephen Howson 🇾🇪 (@MrStephenHowson) August 31, 2019
Ole made a bold decision getting rid of so many players.
Mata played in his No. 10 role might just be a master stroke. He’s never really had a chance there.
However, playing Pereira on the wing is an odd one seeing as he isn’t renowned for his pace.
Want to see Greenwood ASAP.
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) August 31, 2019
So, OGS after gassing up Greenwood for weeks, humiliating Rushford and Martial in the process by saying he was the best finisher at the club – starts Mata ahead of him versus Southampton #MUFC 🤦🏽♂️
— Bidhan Ganguly (@Bidhanganguly) August 31, 2019
I really wanted Greenwood to start this match. Remember mbappe, they gave him the opportunity and he used it and he is one of the best in the world and he is just in his early twenty. Greenwood should be given more time, i am sure he can be the best in the world. #SOUMUN
— Mr.FoOtBaLlEr (@AdiruDeen) August 31, 2019
We were told we wouldn’t replace Lukaku because Ole felt Mason Greenwood was ready. Martial out injured – Mason Greenwood still on the bench… 🤔
— P.B (@bains_pav) August 31, 2019
I'll always get behind my team and I know Ole's under pressure after the last two games, but surely he needs to back his own words and play Mason Greenwood. He really should be starting today.
— Childish Galileo (@Galileo_86) August 31, 2019
I’m disappointed not to see #MasonGreenwood start for #MUFC today, and not just because he’s in my @OfficialFPL starting XI. Message to Ole, if you’re gonna bring him on, do it with plenty of time to score. A better experience for the lad and obviously nothing to do with my FPL.
— Peter McGovern 🔰 (@PeterMcGovern) August 31, 2019
