Our predicted line-up for Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla.
With the first leg of the tie coming at Old Trafford, United have been granted the lucrative opportunity to use their home comforts to their advantage and try and see out a dominant win to take to Spain.
A quality performance could see their European progression near enough sealed if they’re able to be clinical and find the back of the net. Hopefully, Erik ten Hag has had his attackers on shooting practice after the first-half display against Everton.
Kick-off is at 8pm on Thursday, with the second leg taking place exactly one week after at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in Seville.
Predicted United line-up
De Gea
Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Malacia
Raphael Varane was rested against the Toffees and it was likely to manage his minutes ahead of United’s forthcoming season-defining fixtures. Tyrell Malacia was superb at the weekend and Luke Shaw is still recovering from a hamstring injury, so Ten Hag may opt to keep him out of action again.
Casemiro*, Eriksen
Christian Eriksen returned to the fold on Saturday, much to the delight of United fans, after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Minutes in his legs will be key to him managing the upcoming games.
Antony, Fernandes*, Sancho
Martial
As far as we know, Marcus Rashford is still technically a doubt given the groin injury he sustained. It was confirmed on Sunday that the Englishman would need a scan to assess the extent of the issue, so Ten Hag should give an update at his pre-match press conference ahead of the tie. Even if he was available to play, it could be risky for the manager to deploy him straight away after he was visibly in discomfort after feeling the initial flare-up.
Anthony Martial also returned from injury last weekend and found the back of the net almost instantly after being substituted onto the pitch. He is a proven and reliable goalscorer so, provided he stays fit from now until then, I think he’ll lead the line on Thursday.
*Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes walk a suspension tightrope during the match, as a booking for either player would see them ruled out of the second leg. Bookings are wiped after next week’s game.
