Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made eight changes for tonight’s Europa League group stage game away to AZ Alkmaar.
Several surprise selections have been made, including a first competitive start at left-back for academy youngster Brandon Williams.
Fellow academy graduates Mason Greenwood and Angel Gomes start in attack, but there’s no place in the squad for James Garner who has impressed in action for the u23 this season.
NEXT:Confirmed Man Utd XI to face AZ Alkmaar: Williams and Gomes start
David De Gea is surprisingly picked in goal ahead of Sergio Romero, who is usually rotated for the Europa League games.
Solskjaer’s squad selection evidences how threadbare this United squad is, but it is still exciting to see a host of academy players starting against the Eredivisie side.
Tonight is also a great chance for Juan Mata, one of the more senior players in the squad who has to step up and take his opportunity in an attacking midfield role.
See what Reds make of the line-up below:
Ole makes 8️⃣ changes to #MUFC's starting XI, including a first start for #MUAcademy left-back Brandon Williams…#UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 3, 2019
Gomes and Brandon start 😍😍😍
No Garner though even on the bench but Matic starts… 😡😡😡
Mixed emotions. Let’s have it.#MUFC #ALKMUN https://t.co/4Ap52PizpJ
— Ash (@AshBoio) October 3, 2019
@PaulGardinerMU @RedBeardedRed @_maffoo
No Rashford. Correct decision https://t.co/Ez5Az1q2IN— MP (@MartinHPeart) October 3, 2019
Hope axel on the bench means he starts vs Newcastle!
Seems a bit unfair on Romero but happy with the team overall!
— AxAs (@AxAs23) October 3, 2019
That’s probably the worst United team I’ve seen since the 80s.
— Mcfad (@johnmcfadian) October 3, 2019
Great trust by OGS in Brandon Williams. He's had an excellent season so far and must have impressed in training too. Always willing to attack. Tough game ahead. Away from home, European tie, artificial pitch. Wishing him the best, he's come a long way. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/9TalWJ6qKz
— Rich (@UtdPotential) October 3, 2019
Lineup is making me very very happy. Buzzing for Brandon Williams to get a start after his excellent 45 minutes vs Astana. Happy that Gomes is starting too. It’s not gonna be an easy game. So let’s hope the mixture of experience & youth pays off!🔴🔴 #mufc
— MrAaronUTD🔰 (@mraaronutd) October 3, 2019
