Manchester United face Sheffield United on Wednesday in their first game back at Old Trafford since the nationwide lockdown was imposed.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side earned a hard-fought draw with Tottenham last week, and they will be looking to build on that momentum, as they are currently five points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.
If Manchester City’s Champions League ban is upheld, fifth place will be enough for European football next season, but United are level on points with Wolves and a defeat to the Blades would be detrimental.
Transfer Tavern have worked on a predicted starting lineup, which sees Solskjaer make three changes to the team that faced Spurs on Friday.
Solskjaer was delighted with Paul Pogba’s performance after he replaced Fred in the second half.
Despite the fact Pogba hadn’t played for almost six months, the substitution turned out to be a real game changer, as he won a penalty which Bruno Fernandes converted to equalise.
The Pogba and Fernandes axis in the midfield may be too tempting for Solskjaer to ignore and Scott McTominay could drop to the bench as a result.
United started the previous game in a 4-2-3-1 formation and it is unlikely the Norwegian will mess around with his preferred system.
Solskjaer faces a dilemma at the back as Victor Lindelof limped off the pitch last week. Although the club legend has indicated he is fully fit to play, he may not be willing to take that risk, and Eric Bailly could be called into action instead.
David de Gea and Harry Maguire were on the receiving end of some strong criticism from Roy Keane but both are expected to keep their places despite his protestations.
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw played the full 90 minutes against the Lilywhites and was criticised by Alan Shearer for his part in Steven Bergwijn’s opening goal. This has presented the perfect opportunity for Brandon Williams to earn his stripes, as he will have to cope with John Lundstram and George Baldock marauding down the left flank.
Man United fans, do you think this is how Mourinho will lineup against Chris Wilder? Let us know down below!
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