Manchester United are scheduled to kick their Europa League campaign off when they face Real Sociedad in Thursday’s first-round knockout.
United come into Thursday night’s cup match in patchy form following just two wins in their last six games, in all competitions.
Elsewhere, Real Sociedad, led by former Manchester City star David Silva are on a decent three game unbeaten run.
Thursday’s match, which is scheduled to kick-off at 5.55pm (UK time), is set to be played at a neutral ground in Turin due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Ahead of the important match, we have predicted how we expect Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to line his Red Devils up.
Man United starting XI: David De Gea, Alex Telles, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Solskjaer opt to award back-up Dean Henderson with another start, however, I do think the gaffer is likely to favour his Spanish number-one for Thursday’s match.
Elsewhere, Solskjaer is likely to name a familiar back-four with the only real difference being left-back Luke Shaw. I expect the in-form Englishman to be rested ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Newcastle United. Former Porto full-back Telles, who boasts a wealth of European experience, is a more than competent replacement,
A midfield trio is likely to be the go-to tactic from Solskjaer with the in-form McTominay perfectly positioned to start again. However, with Donny van de Beek ruled out through injury, Solskjaer may look to reinstate the vastly experienced Matic.
And lastly, a front-three of Rashford, Martial and Greenwood would be the trio I expect Solskjaer to name.
Given the fact star striker Cavani has now tipped 34-years-old, it goes without saying, the South American is unlikely to feature week-in, week-out and Thursday night could be the perfect oppotuntity to award the veteran with a rest.
Worth noting – Solskjaer has recently hinted that Thursday’s match could be the game we finally get to see Amad Diallo in action, so keep your fingers crossed!
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Rest Martial, De Gea, n play Mata right n Greenwood center.
B fernandez should be rested, and mata should be given a chance.
He should give our fringe players the oppourtunity today. I can’t wait to see diallo make his debut