Manchester United will be aiming to end their two-game losing run on Thursday evening when they travel to Doosan Arena to face Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.
New head coach Ruben Amorim is feeling the heat after losing back-to-back Premier League games against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. The 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday left the Portuguese-led side 13th in the Premier League, eight points behind fourth-place Manchester City, who are the Red Devils’ hosts on Sunday.
Man United should be determined to get back to winning ways against Viktoria Plzen, who have nine points in the Europa League, the same as Amorim’s men.
Manchester United Team News
Luke Shaw is out with a muscle problem, while defenders Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans remain doubtful and will be assessed before the match.
Predicted Man United lineup vs Viktoria Plzen (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Ruben Amorim will likely make a few changes to his starting XI, but Andre Onana is expected to keep his place in goal despite his howler in Forest’s second goal at Old Trafford on Saturday. The Cameroonian should be desperate to redeem himself with a strong performance against Viktoria Plzen.
Defence
Lisandro Martinez could lose his spot to Noussair Mazraoui after a poor display against Forest. Leny Yoro made his first start for Manchester United at the weekend and could get another chance to showcase his talent.
Amorim may decide to stick with Matthijs de Ligt at the heart of the three-man backline, with Harry Maguire starting on the bench again. After a shambolic defensive display in the 3-2 defeat to Forest, the Man United boss will expect improvements from his defenders in midweek.
Midfield
Casemiro has been an unused substitute in the last two games, so he should be fresh to start this one. With the Brazilian acting as a screen for the backline, Kobbie Mainoo will get the license to move forward and make things happen in the final third.
Both Amad Diallo and Diogo Dalot are expected to continue operating as the wing-backs, contributing at both ends of the pitch. Christian Eriksen and Manuel Ugarte may get opportunities to make a mark off the bench.
Attack
Bruno Fernandes was substituted in the second half against Forest supposedly due to fatigue. This may open the door for Mason Mount to start as one of the No.10s. Alejandro Garnacho is likely to make way for Marcus Rashford in attack, and the England international will be raring to produce the goods as an inside forward from the left.
Against a physical and robust Viktoria side, Amorim may prefer Rasmus Hojlund ahead of Joshua Zirkzee to lead the Man United attack in Czechia. Garnacho, Zirkzee, Fernandes and Antony will be hoping to get minutes in the second half.
