Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has sprung some surprises in his Manchester United starting XI to face high-flying RB Leipzig on the return of Champions League football at Old Trafford.
The United boss has made six changes to his team as the Reds look to assert their control of the so-called ‘group of death.’
Supporters have implored Solskjaer to finally give Van de Beek a start in a significant game and the Dutchman’s inclusion in what appears to be a midfield diamond is pleasing.
Paul Pogba has looked lethargic since the start of the season but gets his chance this evening, alongside Fred and the recalled Nemanja Matic in the middle.
At first glance, Solskjaer has opted for a split-striker system with Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood providing the home side’s attacking outlet.
That means a rest during a congested fixture schedule for man-of-the-moment Marcus Rashford and the indispensable Bruno Fernandes, who will almost certainly come on if the Reds are in need of a goal.
Plenty of United supporters are optimistic after learning tonight’s team news, but some frustration remains over Axel Tuanzebe’s absence from the starting XI after his outstanding performance against PSG.
Meanwhile, Alex Telles, who also impressed against PSG, is not in the squad.
🚨 The #MUFC team news is in!#UCL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 28, 2020
What a teammmmm, what happened to telles
— 🌊™️ (@RealistGlizzy) October 28, 2020
Donny!!! 😭😭😭 about time
— Aidan Walsh 🔰 (@AidanWalshMUFC) October 28, 2020
i was happy but then i saw no Tuanzebe
— lew (@UtdLew) October 28, 2020
Ole finally playing a diamond. Tears in my eyes
— Mack (@MacckkUTD) October 28, 2020
Love this line up. Great to see the diamond formation with Greenwood in his natural position, also love that Bruno & Rashford get a rest providing we still get the result.
— Jack (@UnitedHeaven_) October 28, 2020
Ole actually giving us a team tonight that I’m completely happy with. Van de Beek gets the start he deserves, Bruno & Rashford get the rests they deserve & Pogba will have the freedom to attack. Would’ve liked to see Tuanzebe but Lindelof was great at the weekend 👍🏻🔥 #mufc
— Harry 🇾🇪 (@HazzaPenny) October 28, 2020
Fred has to play for his energy, and plus him and Pogba are a better partnership. Pleased that Don Donny Van De Beek is starting as it was well overdue for a long time.
— Andrew (@viperellis) October 28, 2020
READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United line-up vs RB Leipzig – Van de Beek starts
Telles has the bloody Covid Virus