Manchester United take on Astana in their penultimate Europa League group stage match on Thursday knowing that qualification to the knockout rounds is more or less fully secured with two games to spare, prompting manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to put all of his faith in youth for the trip to Kazakhstan.
After United dropped points in the Premier League on Sunday following a 3-3 draw away to Sheffield United, a match where academy graduates Brandon Williams, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford seemingly brought them back from the brink, it’s no surprise that under-fire Solskjaer will bet on his academy for the return trip against Group L’s bottom side.
[freshpress-poll id=”263357″]
Some familiar names like Tahith Chong, Angel Gomes and Greenwood have been named in the squad whilst others come straight out of a fairytale – with one particular call-up in Max Taylor, who recently overcame cancer, warranting huge praise.
As a result, supporters on Twitter have been in full voice over the decision to play so many youngsters – here’s what they had to say on social media.
This is what Man United is all about. Sir Matt would be proud. pic.twitter.com/BfWfW1ngPT
— KallGov (@KallGov) November 26, 2019
It’s what they deserve and hopefully shows Ole he can take more risks in playing them. Especially Levitt and Garner.
— SamCee (@Sammymutd) November 26, 2019
United academy>>>>>
— Joan🐝 (@UtdJoan) November 26, 2019
That’s why we played a stronger side against Partizan to make sure we qualify. Now we can give yougsters their chances and rest senior players.
— Pete (@PeteMUFC1991) November 26, 2019
A lot of u already know the Gomes, Levitt (I hope he actually starts with Garner) n Chongs… watch out for Ramazani and Mengi. Potential to be top top players if managed properly, keep their feet on the ground.
— King Caso🤴🏿 (@bigmoneypiccaso) November 26, 2019
Cradle FC gonna win this!!!!!
— Man United Mumbai (@ManUnitedOpini1) November 26, 2019
