Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to revert to his strongest lineup when Manchester United take on FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Europa League on Monday.
Manchester United will be aiming to book their place in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals when they lock horns with FC Copenhagen in the one-legged quarter-final on Monday night. And, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does not have any fresh injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
The only players who will play no part for Manchester United for the remainder of the season are defenders Luke Shaw, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones. The trio have not travelled to Germany for the Europa League tournament and will recover in Manchester.
? “We went into this season knowing the Europa League was a great chance to go far in a tournament and develop some youngsters,” says the boss.
“It’s been about keeping our squad together and giving people chances.”#MUFC #UEL pic.twitter.com/kkDVU4LK66
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 9, 2020
Having played a second-string side, bar captain Harry Maguire, against LASK, Solskjaer is expected to go back to the team that featured heavily in the Premier League run-in. The only big decision will surround the goalkeeping spot, something the Manchester United manager talked about as well during his pre-match press conference.
“That’s an obvious question. Because I think I must be the most privileged manager in the world with the goalkeeping department we have here with Sergio, David and we’ve got Dean Henderson coming back as well. That’s three top, top goalkeepers there.”
“This Europa League, this season, has shown again how important Sergio has been to us and, for me, David has also been always been performing there, so we’ll see what we do for the rest of the season. It’s difficult, yeah of course it is, but it is a nice problem to have.”
Sergio Romero has been the designated goalkeeper for Manchester United in the Europa League and cup competitions, but Solskjaer threw a swerve in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea last month by starting David de Gea. And so, it is likely that de Gea would be picked over Romero against Copenhagen as well.
The only two players to retain their places from the LASK game will likely be defenders – Maguire and Brandon Williams. Maguire should have regular partner Victor Lindelof back alongside him at the heart of the Manchester United defence, while Williams will start at left-back again, with Shaw unavailable. On the opposite flank, Aaron Wan-Bissaka ought to return as the right-back.
Up ahead in midfield, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic are expected to form the midfield double pivot, with Scott McTominay and Fred dropping out. Bruno Fernandes will reprise the no. 10 role, replacing Jesse Lingard, despite the Englishman’s strong performance last time out.
Juan Mata impressed in the previous game as well, but will likely make way for Mason Greenwood on the right side of the Manchester United attack. On the left flank, there is no looking past Marcus Rashford, who will replace Daniel James. Finally, the in-form Anthony Martial will lead the line for Manchester United against Copenhagen.
Manchester United Predicted XI: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Williams; Pogba, Matic; Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
