After beating Leicester at the weekend to push into the top four, Manchester United proved they’re no lost cause just yet despite an otherwise indifferent start to the campaign.
An early penalty dispatched by Marcus Rashford was enough to give the Red Devils all three points and now they head into matchday one of the Europa League group stage, a competition that obviously offers another avenue into the Champions League.
Indeed, their opponents Astana FC currently sit 3rd in the Kazakhstan Premier League and are major underdogs for the game at Old Trafford though it’s not as if United have been swatting away all before them at the Theatre of Dreams in recent years.
Ahead of the game, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly set to utilise his squad, giving chances to those who haven’t managed to be involved thus far in domestic action.
But what starting eleven could you expect to see? Here’s our prediction…
Sergio Romero, Mason Greenwood and Axel Tuanzebe have all been confirmed as starters for tomorrow’s game.
While Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have started life at the club well, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo haven’t been involved at all so far this season, something that may be set to change for the game against Astana according to the Mirror.
Luke Shaw was ruled out for at least a month at the back end of August and Ashley Young has covered for the left-back thus far but Rojo could be drafted in, allowing Young to play on his favoured right side, affording Wan-Bissaka a rest. With the Red Devils at home and heavy favourites, it’s not hard to imagine them dominating possession, so Young’s 2.7 key passes per game this season (second highest in the squad according to WhoScored) could come in handy.
Fred impressed during his brief cameo against Leicester (the Manchester Evening News noted the Brazilian ‘looked bright), so could be a good option in midfield.
Tahith Chong also appeared from the bench against the Foxes and the 19-year-old winger could get a chance from the off against Astana.
How would you line up? Join the discussion by commenting below…
