The UEFA Europa League is back and Manchester United are going to play Granada in the first leg of the quarterfinals. Europa League remains their only chance to win a trophy this season. And they’ll have to defeat a struggling Granada side in the quarterfinals to advance in the quest.
On Thursday night, the first of two legs will take place in Andalusia. United, given the form they have been in recently, are overwhelming favourites to win this tie and are considered strong contenders to go all the way as well.
Given that they are in a strong position in the league and look set to cement a top-four berth, Ole will want to see a decisive display from his side in this away leg.
Manchester United Team News
According to recent reports, Eric Bailly tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the match.
Marcus Rashford was taken off after scoring against Brighton due to a knock and is not expected to start the match. However, he has travelled with the squad and could be involved in some capacity.
Amad Diallo will be in the squad once again. Juan Mata has returned to training and is in the squad to face Granada. Anthony Martial remains out.
There will be another goalkeeping decision to make, with David De Gea and Dean Henderson battling for the role.
Predicted Man United Lineup vs Granada (4-2-3-1)
Defence
David de Gea should replace Dean Henderson in goal.
It has been a while since De Gea started, and this will be the perfect game to return to the fold.
There is unlikely to be any significant changes to the back four. Both Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire will start in central defence in the Man United lineup.
We expect one of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw to be handed a breather and while the former seems to be in more need of a rest, the lack of options could see Luke Shaw being rotated for Alex Telles with Wan-Bissaka keeping his place in the Man United lineup.
Midfield
Scott McTominay is due a start and is likely to be partnered by Paul Pogba in central midfield.
There will be the temptation to play Donny van de Beek but on the evidence of this season, it seems unlikely. Which is why another start for Bruno Fernandes beckons. And the midfield trio will look to help the team put the tie to bed in the first leg itself.
Attack
Mason Greenwood has been consistently evolving and his ability to position himself in goal-scoring positions is commendable. He is set to start on the right in the Man United lineup.
In the absence of Rashford, James will probably get the nod to start the match on the left flank.
Edinson Cavani will be the central striker. He did not have a great game against Brighton and will be looking to get back to his scoring ways against the Spanish side who have conceded the most goals in the league this season.
