Victor Lindelof should come in for Eric Bailly while Nemanja Matic will also return when Manchester United face Sevilla in the Europa League on Sunday.
Manchester United will be eager to reach the UEFA Europa League final for a second time in four years when they lock horns with Sevilla in the single-legged semi-final in Cologne on Sunday. And, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does not have any fresh roster issues hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Luke Shaw, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe still remain on the sidelines and will only return next season. The big question for Solskjaer, though, during his pre-match press conference centered around the fitness levels of his squad at this late a stage in the season.
The Manchester United manager said, “Well, we’ve had a few good days preparing, recovering and training. It’s not very often that we have six days between games. We’re ready; we’re physically ready.”
Ole on Sergio Romero: “He is in a goalkeeper department with one of the best from the last 10 years.
“It says a lot for Sergio that he always plays well. He’s motivated and concentrated.” ?#MUFC #UEL pic.twitter.com/KKaK1LdxYH
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 15, 2020
As far as the composition of the team is concerned, Solskjaer is unlikely to make wholesale changes against an in-form Sevilla side and should, in fact, recall a couple of first-choice players. In goal, the David de Gea vs Sergio Romero debate has initiated once again and the Manchester United boss was asked to comment on the latter and his high performance levels this season.
“It says everything about Sergio’s professionalism and qualities that whenever he plays, he performs. Of course, he’s experienced; he always knows how to prepare and he’s focused. His concentration is fantastic. He’s been a very good goalkeeper for us.”
Romero is expected to get the nod over de Gea once again in the Manchester United goal, but the defence in front of him could see one change. Victor Lindelof should come in for Eric Bailly at the heart of the Manchester United defence, where he will partner captain Harry Maguire. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams, though, are certain starters as the full-back pairing.
The only other change in the starting lineup should come in midfield, with Nemanja Matic likely to replace Fred. Matic was instrumental in swinging the tie against FC Copenhagen in favour of his side following his second half introduction and will hold the key against Sevilla as well. Paul Pogba will provide company to the Serb in the double pivot.
Finally, in attack, there is no looking past the first-choice quartet of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood. The likes of Odion Ighalo, Jesse Lingard, Daniel James and Andreas Pereira will be backup options on the bench, as far as attack is concerned, while Fred and Scott McTominay will be similar options in midfield.
Manchester United Predicted XI: Romero; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Williams; Pogba, Matic; Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
