Manchester United have all but sealed qualification to the next round of the Europa League but they will be eyeing the top spot ahead of their final two group games.
First up, Moldovan outfit FC Sheriff will be making the trip to Old Trafford and the visitors are enduring a turbulent start to the week after their manager resigned just two days before the game against United.
Erik ten Hag’s men are in good form and will be coming into the fixture high in confidence despite their draw against Chelsea, which many feel was less than what the performance deserved.
Ten Hag is expected to make a host of changes from that game but so far this season, the Dutchman has been reluctant to make too many changes in a bid to keep the rhythm.
It remains to be seen whether Martin Dubravka is offered the chance to make his debut for the club and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could make only his second appearance of the season.
Tyrell Malacia, who has lost his place to the returning Luke Shaw in the last couple of weeks, is likely to play. Injuries to Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire mean that Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are likely to continue at the heart of United’s defence.
Casemiro has started all four of United’s last league games and is now one of the first names on the teamsheet, meaning that he is unlikely to start this game. Christian Eriksen could also be given a rest.
Further up the pitch, there are significant decisions that need to be made and the most important one is Cristiano Ronaldo’s role. The 37-year-old is enduring a highly turbulent period in his career and his antics against Tottenham last week saw him punished by Ten Hag.
After walking out of Old Trafford before the match had ended, Ronaldo was removed from first-team training for three days and also left out of the squad to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Portuguese international is back in training with the senior players this week and looks to be in contention to start against FC Sheriff.
Predicted Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): Dubravka; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Martinez, Malacia; McTominay, Fred; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo
