Manchester United will aim to make it to the Europa League knockout rounds on Thursday evening when they entertain Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s side sit three points behind table-toppers Real Sociedad in second place. They had to wait until stoppage time to claim all three points against Omonia Nicosia in the last Europa League fixture, with substitute Scott McTominay crashing home the winner to leave his side needing just a point from their final two games to make qualify for the knockout rounds.
The Red Devils head into this game off the back of a dramatic 1-1 draw with Chelsea away in the Premier League.
In a major blow for Manchester United, Raphael Varane was forced off the weekend against Chelsea with a knee injury and is ruled out for around three to four weeks.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who was dropped against Chelsea after refusing to come on as a substitute in the win over Tottenham, is back in the squad to face Sheriff.
Anthony Martial, Harry Maguire, Donny Van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have all returned to training this week, providing Ten Hag with a timely injury boost ahead of a busy run of fixtures.
Goalkeeper
David de Gea has been in good form of late and deserves to keep his place in between the sticks in the Man United lineup. The Spaniard will be hoping to keep a clean sheet against the Moldovan outfit.
Defence
Victor Lindelof is likely to deputise in Raphael Varane’s injury absence at centre-back in the Man United lineup. The Swede, who has proven to be an able deputy so far this season, should start alongside Lisandro Martinez at the heart of Man United’s backline. Martinez is one yellow from a suspension.
Diogo Dalot should continue starting at right-back, while Luke Shaw could be rested with Tyrell Malacia being recalled into the Man United lineup at left-back. Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s return to fitness are a boost for the Red Devils and the defensive duo could be on the bench.
Midfield
Casemiro has displaced Scott McTominay from the starting XI in recent weeks, and it is likely the Brazilian holds the fort in midfield again for United. Partnering Casemiro in the middle of the park in the Man United lineup could be Christian Eriksen, whose passing range and creativity could become key in unlocking Sheriff’s tight defence.
Bruno Fernandes will take his spot in the No.10 role, hoping to make things click in the final third. This means McTominay and Fred will again have to be content for roles on the bench.
Attack
Even though Cristiano Ronaldo is back in the fold, an immediate start for him might not be forthcoming. Thus, a front three of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony are primed to start again in the Man United lineup.
If Anthony Martial is free from a back problem, he could find a spot on the bench in midweek.
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