Manchester United will be looking to bounce back to winning ways in the Europa League when they face Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday at the Zimbru Stadium.
Erik ten Hag’s side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford in their Europa League group stages opener last week. The Red Devils boss, who had previously guided his side to four consecutive Premier League wins, will hope to restore momentum in Moldova.
Luke Shaw has been missing of late but was pictured training with the first-team squad at Carrington on Monday. If he passes a late fitness test, Shaw could be in the Manchester United travelling squad.
Anthony Martial has remained out with an Achilles problem since the win over Liverpool. Donny Van de Beek, Brandon Williams and Facundo Pellestri have also been sidelined with respective injuries.
Goalkeeper
Erik ten Hag is likely to stick with first-choice goalkeeper David de Gea for the clash with Sheriff. De Gea will be raring to keep a clean sheet on Thursday after narrowly missing out on one last week.
Defence
With no game last weekend and this Sunday’s scheduled encounter with Leeds United postponed ahead of The Queen’s funeral, Ten Hag may decide to go with a full-strength side than he did against Real Sociedad.
Diogo Dalot is likely to retain his place at right-back, with Tyrell Malacia starting on the other side of the defence. Harry Maguire could drop out from the starting XI for Raphael Varane, who was rested in the last European game. Victor Lindelof is available but the Man United boss could go with Lisandro Martinez to partner Varane in central defence.
Midfield
Christian Eriksen has become the beating heart of this Man United side. The Dane has shown great ability to control the tempo of games in recent weeks alongside Scott McTominay in the middle of the park, whilst combining extremely well with advanced playmaker Bruno Fernandes.
McTominay’s recent form should see summer signing Casemiro drop out of the starting XI after the Brazilian midfielder failed to impress against Real Sociedad. Fernandes is a crucial cog in Ten Hag’s system and will likely start in his favoured no.10 role.
Attack
In the continued absence through injury of Anthony Martial and Cristiano Ronaldo losing his spot in the first XI, Man United have become reliant on Marcus Rashford to provide the goals. With three goals and two assists so far this season, Rashford looks likely to lead the attack with Jadon Sancho and Antony starting out wide.
Ten Hag will hope to see Rashford, Antony and Sancho combine well in the final third and create all kinds of problems for the Sheriff defenders. Ronaldo, Anthony Elanga and Charlie McNeill will be offensive options on the bench.
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