The Red Devils face FC Midtjylland at the MCH Arena in Herning, Denmark for the first time ever, and they have decided to leave some first team players behind.
Louis van Gaal will be trying out a few of his younger options in the match against Midtjylland — an understandable decision, considering that United are the favourites to win the game. Apart from the fact that the Dutch side are minnows in the European stage, they have also not played competitively since the 10th of December because of the Dutch league’s winter break.
The 18 man squad named for the encounter does not include the likes of Wayne Rooney, Marouane Fellaini and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson. Borthwick-Jackson has been a regular feature for Manchester United of late, and this move is a good way to prevent the 19-year-old from burning out in his first season of regular first team football. Wayne Rooney is also being rested because of a recent knee injury, and the exclusion of Fellaini could prove to be more than just temporary if another player manages to make an impact in the central midfield.
Will Keane and Memphis Depay caught everyone’s attention in the Red Devils’ U21 victory over Norwich City, but failed to produce the goods against Sunderland in the Premier League. This could be another chance for them to showcase their ability. Regan Poole, Joe Riley and James Weir could be making their debut for Manchester United, if they are selected for the starting XI.
Manchester United squad for match against Midtjylland: De Gea, Romero, Love, McNair, Smalling, Blind, Poole, Riley, Carrick, Herrera, Schneiderlin, Lingard, Pereira, Weir, Mata, Memphis, Martial, Keane.
