Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has named an unchanged Manchester United starting lineup for the decisive Europa League round-of-16 second leg vs AC Milan at the San Siro.
United drew 1-1 at Old Trafford after conceding an avoidable late away goal and have plenty of work to do if they are going to reach the competition’s quarter-final stage.
A welcome boost for Solskjaer is Paul Pogba’s return to the match day squad this evening.
The French midfielder has been out of action for nearly six weeks so it’s no surprise to see him on the bench alongside Donny van de Beek and Amad, rather than coming straight into the side.
Pogba could play a crucial role when called upon if United are searching for goals in the second-half.
Dean Henderson keeps his place with David de Gea returning to the squad after the birth of his first child.
Mason Greenwood is likely to lead the line again for the Reds and will be supported in an attacking trident by Marcus Rashford and Daniel James.
Man Utd XI to face AC Milan: Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; James, Fernandes, Rashford; Greenwood.
See reactions to United’s XI from journalists and fans on social media below.
📋 Ole names an unchanged line-up for tonight's game!#MUFC #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 18, 2021
Unchanged. No shock. The trusted ones, Scott McTominay and Fred are in the middle. Would have been risky for Van de Beek and Pogba to start, especially with a big FA Cup clash in 72 hours. #UEL #MUFC https://t.co/CGRCgZVXpR
— Brad Cox (@BradJCox_) March 18, 2021
The United side everyone expected, I think. Always unlikely Pogba would start given he's been out for the nearly six weeks and has only just returned to training. A good weapon to have off the bench #mufc
— Tyrone Marshall (@TyMarshall_MEN) March 18, 2021
I’m not even surprised it’s McFred , I’m just glad Pogba/VDB haven’t been thrown into the starting 11
— Mohammed (@kazi7__) March 18, 2021
Ole is a smart guy
Getting to wear the Zebra kit in Italy so that Paul Pogba thinks he is playing for Juventus
Cant beat this guy
— Agendas United (@TheAgendaIsHere) March 18, 2021
Good to see Pogba and VDB on the bench (no need to rush them back)
Hope the players dont get wasteful tonight and Fred doesnt keep miss placing passes unlike last Thursday wen he came on https://t.co/I25bfHwUmS
— SaiN (@SaiNo23) March 18, 2021
This is 10/11 what I would've picked, and it's fully understandable to go with McTominay over Pogba as the latter might not be fit. Probably won't blow them away but this team will keep the game tight. Just hope there's enough in the tank to get a goal! https://t.co/eVedIkg4X0
— Aaron Moniz (@amonizfootball) March 18, 2021
No surprises. Pogba was never going to start and it’s the right decision not to. Let’s no rush him back too quick.
Nervous for tonight. Let’s get the job done please lads #MUFC https://t.co/3Fd472XgqY
— Haider Rubbani 🇾🇪🎙⚽️ (@Haider_Rubbani) March 18, 2021
