Manchester United will be desperate to take all three points in the Champions League on Wednesday evening when they travel to the Parken Stadium to face Danish giants FC Copenhagen.
The Red Devils struggled against FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford, needing a late Harry Maguire header and a last-gasp penalty save from Andre Onana to ensure the first three points of their Champions League group-stage campaign. The Erik ten Hag-managed side’s spot in the competition remains in peril and they need to pick up another victory against the Danes to ensure they remain well-placed to qualify for the knockout stages.
The Mancunian side go into the crunch continental clash off the back of a late, morale-boosting 1-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League, and Ten Hag will hope to build upon it in midweek.
Manchester United Team News
Harry Maguire suffered head and hand injuries in separate incidents at Fulham but completed the entire game, while Marcus Rashford missed the game after failing a late fitness test. However, Ten Hag is hopeful of Rashford’s chances of featuring against FC Copenhagen in midweek.
Victor Lindelof also missed the match at Craven Cottage through illness and his availability remains in doubt. Meanwhile, Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are all out.
Predicted Man United lineup vs FC Copenhagen (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana made a couple of crucial saves to keep a clean sheet at Fulham on Saturday, which should give him a lot of confidence heading into the crunch continental clash in Denmark.
Defence
Aaron Wan-Bissaka made his first start at Fulham since returning from injury and he should retain his right-back spot in the Man United lineup, while Diogo Dalot hopes to get the nod at left-back ahead of Sergio Reguilon again.
Harry Maguire has put in a string of solid displays of late and deserves to start in Man United’s defence on Wednesday. He partnered Jonny Evans in central defence against Fulham, but Ten Hag could call upon Raphael Varane to start alongside the England international in the Man United lineup at the Parken Stadium.
Midfield
Sofyan Amrabat will need to do the defensive work in the midfield for United, and he should be fresh to face Copenhagen after being an unused substitute last weekend. Scott McTominay’s energy, athleticism and goal threat could be preferred over the guile and creativity of Christian Eriksen in central midfield.
Bruno Fernandes is a certainty to start in the Man United lineup following his stoppage-time winner against Fulham. The Portuguese will look to drop deeper to initiate attacks and provide McTominay with the license to enter the opposition’s box more.
Attack
If Marcus Rashford isn’t deemed fully fit, Alejandro Garnacho becomes the obvious choice to start on the left flank after his dazzling display against Fulham. Antony endured a disappointing afternoon at Craven Cottage and could drop out, with Mason Mount getting the chance to impress from the right flank in the Man United lineup.
Rasmus Hojlund has three goals in as many Champions League games for United, and he will be raring to haunt his former side in midweek. Anthony Martial and Facundo Pellistri could get some minutes off the bench.
