Manchester United travel to Kazakhstan to play their penultimate game of the group stages of the Europa League against Astana.
The Red Devils have qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League, having registered three wins and a draw in their four games so far.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could use the game against Astana to give opportunities to youngsters as well as give much-needed game time to players returning from injury. In the home fixture against Astana, United narrowly beat them, winning 1-0.
Early Manchester United Team News
Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo, Paul Pogba, and Scott McTominay are expected to miss Thursday night’s game.
Diogo Dalot and Timothy Fosu-Mensah have begun training, but have been training away from the senior squad, and it’s too early for them to return to the side. Luke Shaw and Nemanja Matic could be involved in the Europa League game.
Let’s take a look at the possible Manchester United lineup for the game against Astana:
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Astana
Goalkeeper
Sergio Romero will replace David de Gea in goal for the game against Astana.
Defence
Axel Tuanzebe made a late substitute appearance in the game against Sheffield United and he could start at the back alongside one of Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof.
Phil Jones played one half of the game against Sheffield United, and is an option for Solskjaer as well.
Luke Shaw could also return to the Manchester United at left-back, while Ashley Young – who was an unused substitute in the Premier League game over the weekend – could start at right-back.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic could also return to the United team, playing in midfield, alongside youngster James Garner, who started in the away game against Partizan Belgrade.
Juan Mata could also return to the Manchester United lineup, and could play in the attacking midfield role for United.
Attack
Solskjaer could rest both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in this game, which means that Mason Greenwood – who scored against Sheffield United – could start as the striker.
Andreas Pereira could also start, playing on the right side, while Daniel James could start on the left. Angel Gomes is another option for Solskjaer, and he could play ahead of James if the United manager wants to rest James.
