Manchester United entertain Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday evening in what will be new boss Ruben Amorim’s first game at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese’s debut game in charge of Manchester United left much to be desired, as the Red Devils were held by Ipswich Town in a 1-1 stalemate at Portman Road in the Premier League. The result left them 12th in the league table.
Man United’s form in Europe has been interesting, to say the least, as they are unbeaten from the opening four matches but have only won a single match. Last time out, the 20-time English champions overcame Greek side PAOK 2-0 at home, with Amad Diallo scoring an eye-catching brace.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United have received a timely injury boost, as Lisandro Martinez has overcome his slight back problem and is ready to feature against Bodo/Glimt. But Harry Maguire won’t be available despite returning to first-team training at Carrington.
Speaking in his pre-match presser, Ruben Amorim added that Leny Yoro has been working with the team too and the club are carefully working on his fitness. He won’t be rushed back. Meanwhile, Jonny Evans was not spotted in team training on Wednesday and could miss out.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Bodo/Glimt (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana was excellent on Sunday, producing a string of top saves to help his side earn a point at Ipswich Town. In Amorim’s first game in charge at home, the Cameroonian is likely to get the nod ahead of Altay Bayindir in goal.
Defence
Amorim doesn’t have a lot of options to make changes to his defence, but we are expecting a slightly different backline against the Norwegian side. With Jonny Evans appearing unlikely to feature, fit-again Lisandro Martinez is likely to take the veteran’s spot in the three-man backline.
The Argentinean will be joined by Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui at the back. The trio have to maintain the shape well and keep the Bodo/Glimt forwards quiet in midweek.
Midfield
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen struggled to dictate the pace of the game against Ipswich Town, so Amorim may decide to make changes to his midfield. Manuel Ugarte is expected to get the nod, with fit-again Kobbie Mainoo partnering the Uruguayan.
Amad Diallo was impressive as a wing-back and produced the assist for Marcus Rashford’s goal against Ipswich Town, so he is likely to keep his spot on the right. While Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are now available, the United boss may stick with Diogo Dalot as the left wing-back.
Attack
Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho comprised the Man United front three vs Ipswich, but we could see changes here. Rashford could be given a role as an inside left forward, with Fernandes trying to exploit pockets of spaces behind Bodo/Glimt’s midfield.
Amorim could hand Rasmus Hojlund the chance to lead the hosts’ attack, with Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount hoping to make an impact off the bench.
