Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be looking to make it five in a row in all competitions when Manchester United face Reading in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup this weekend.
The Red Devils are in a fiery run of form, having secured four wins in four matches under the Norwegian mastermind and are coming on the back of a 2-0 win over Newcastle United in midweek.
Manchester United team news
Defenders Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo are ruled out due to injury while Eric Bailly is still suspended. In midfield, Paul Pogba is a doubt after picking up a knock against Newcastle, although Marouane Fellaini is showing positive signs and could be fit to start this weekend.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Reading (4-3-3)
Defence
A host of changes are expected this weekend, especially in defence, where Solskjaer could hand Diogo Dalot and Matteo Darmian rare starts. Dalot could replace Antonio Valencia in the right-back slot while Darmian will be deployed on the opposite flank, with Luke Shaw making way for the Italian international.
United have limited options in central defence, with two players out injured while Bailly is suspended. Therefore, the duo of Phil Jones and Victor Lindelof could retain their place at the heart of the United backline.
David de Gea kept his first clean sheet in nine matches during the win over Newcastle, earlier this week but he could make way for Sergio Romero.
Midfield
Fred is the likeliest replacement for Pogba, who is doubtful after being on the end of a rash challenge by Jonjo Shelvey this midweek. The former Shakhtar Donetsk star should be starting as a part of the midfield 3. The Brazilian will be keen to make an impression, having failed to make a breakthrough under the previous coach Jose Mourinho.
He might be partnered by Marouane Fellaini and Andreas Pereira, who is set to receive his first start under the new manager.
Attack
Solskjaer has confirmed that Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez will be starting against Reading this weekend. Both the players were influential after coming on as substitutes against Newcastle and will be looking to make an even bigger impact against the Biscuitmen.
Sanchez, in particular, will be a player to keep an eye on, after returning from a long injury layoff earlier this week.
Elsewhere, attacking sensation Tahith Chong is pushing for a start, after being a part of United’s travelling squad to face Newcastle. Therefore, the 19-year-old starting as the right-winger for United this weekend is certainly not a far-fetched proposition.
