Manchester United have included youngsters Andreas Pereira and James Wilson in the squad to face PSV Eindhoven ahead of their return to Champions League. New signing Anthony Martial may get his first start as Wayne Rooney is ruled out of the tie.
Manchester United finally return to the big stage after a year’s absence. While they have not been handed the easiest of the groups, the English side should have no problems in topping the group if they are to play to their full potential.
Their first test comes in the form of Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, who are managed by Van Gaal’s protege Philip Cocu.
Rooney out, Martial may start
Wayne Rooney played no part in United’s 3-1 win over arch-rivals Liverpool FC on Saturday due to a hamstring problem and is not expected to feature against PSV, having not been included in the squad that traveled to Eindhoven.
“Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney has missed the trip to PSV Eindhoven with the injury he sustained in training ahead of Saturday’s 3-1 win over Liverpool,” a United statement read.
Instead, world’s most expensive teenager Anthony Martial may be given his first start after impressing in a cameo against Liverpool FC at the weekend when he scored on his debut. Fellaini had started against Liverpool, but having had a few days to train with the squad, Martial should be given the nod.
Wilson, Pereira may get a chance
Manchester United have included academy product James Wilson and Brazil U20 international Andreas Pereira in their squad and the duo may get a chance to play from the bench if things go the way United expect them to.
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Pereira did sustain an injury on Brazil U23 duty, but is fit for a return to his former club.
United’s travelling squad: David De Gea, Sergio Romero; Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian, Paddy McNair, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling, Antonio Valencia; Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, Andreas Pereira, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Juan Mata, Ashley Young; Memphis Depay, Marouane Fellaini, Anthony Martial, James Wilson.