Solskjaer could freshen up midfield with three big names vs West Ham

vies with Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Marquinhos Manchester United's French midfielder Paul Pogba during the UEFA Champions League group H football match between Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on December 2, 2020. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be wary of making too many changes this weekend against West Ham, but Manchester United have a hectic festive period coming up and the squad is bound to be stretched at some point.

The Norwegian knows this but is lucky to be in a position to possess such players who win games. They’ve got the Champions League to worry about too, but my biggest concern right now is our league form — especially at home.

The manic fixture list calls for some rotation and I think we’ll see a bit of that this weekend.

I don’t think there will be any changes at the back with Solskjaer looking for more consistency from his players. We lapse concentration too often at the back and it’s time for Harry Maguire to lead properly from the back.

The area I see most changes on Saturday for MUFC is midfield. Fred had a nightmare during the week, and should have been replaced at half-time after escaping a straight red card, but he’s played a lot of games lately.

Scott McTominay is another player who has played well but I think will be benched against the Hammers, so this could be the game to throw Nemanja Matic into the middle…

The Serb could do with minutes under his belt because it’s likely that he will start in Fred’s absence (suspension) against RB Leipzig.

United called on Paul Pogba from the bench on Wednesday night in their 3-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman brought a bit of urgency to the team and looked interested, so I wouldn’t rule out a start for Pogba considering Marcus Rashford is a doubt and that could see a change to our shape also.

Finally, in midfield, Donny van de Beek needs to come back into the side. His quick transitional play will only help United break down West Ham, and with Bruno Fernandes further forward we will create chances.

Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial are likely to start up front.

Predicted Manchester United XI to face West Ham: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Telles; Matic, Van de Beek, Pogba; Fernandes, Cavani, Martial. 

A win could see United lift into the Premier League’s top four.

Read more: Edinson Cavani already rubbing off on United’s young players, says Solskjaer

More Stories Donny van de Beek Manchester United Marcus Rashford Nemanja Matic Paul Pogba West Ham

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