Manchester United Travel to Rostov for Europa League Clash
Predicted Lineup
Manchester United Predicted Starting XI: De Gea, Young, Jones, Smalling, Blind, Fellaini, Herrera, Pogba, Mata, Rashford, Ibrahimovic
Subs: Romero, Valencia, Rojo, Carrick, Mkhitaryan, Lingard, Martial
Mourinho will most likely put a strong XI on the field against Rostov. The Portuguese manager will now realize how important the Europa League could be for them. With the Europa League champion getting a spot in the Champions League next season, Mourinho could use this competition as a route to the competition.
Eric Bailly is out through suspension after receiving a red card in the second leg of the tie against St. Etienne. Luke Shaw, Wayne Rooney, and Bastian Schweinsteiger all have been left at home, according to the Manchester United website.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
Sergio Romero got the nod against St. Etienne and I expect Romero to be watching from the sidelines for the trip to Russia. Mourinho brought David De Gea, which means that he will probably get the start.
Right Back: Ashley Young
Ashley Young has been a solid utility man for Manchester United over recent years. The Englishman has been a great replacement for Antonio Valencia when he has been rested. It would be a good idea to leave the Ecuadorian on the bench and let Young step in.
Center Back: Phil Jones
Phil Jones returned from injury against Bournemouth at the weekend. He gave away a penalty which allowed Bournemouth to steal a point at Old Trafford. Jones has been solid at the back for the Red Devils over the season but may need this match to bounce back from his costly mistake in the Premier League.
Center Back: Chris Smalling
The Englishman was left out of the XI at the weekend and saw his replacement, Jones, give away a penalty. Smalling will look to impress Mourinho and get back in the starting XI. With Bailly out for suspension, United will need Smalling’s pace and physicality at the back.
Left Back: Daley Blind
Blind has been a solid left back for the Red Devils this year, but lacks any sort of pace to handle 1 v 1 situations comfortably. Mourinho will use Blind as a means to keep possession of the ball and dominate the Russian opponents. With Luke Shaw impressing at the weekend, the manager could rest him for the FA cup tie at the weekend.
Defensive Mid: Ander Herrera
Not enough can be said about the Spaniard’s passion and work ethic for this United squad. He is calm and composed on the ball while being bullish enough to put in a hard tackle to stop the counter-attack. Jose Mourinho will want Herrera in the side after being left out at the weekend.
Center Mid: Maraoune Fellaini
Fellaini has been essential in the Europa League, featuring four times for United. The Belgian will be able to dominate in the air and help stall the threat of long balls from Rostov. With a lesser opposition, Mourinho may bring in the big man instead of the likes of Michael Carrick or Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Center Mid: Paul Pogba
Pogba has come under criticism as of lately. It is hard for anyone to live up to that transfer fee. Pogba must impose himself in this game and boss the midfield. United need him and they need his quality on the pitch. Look for Pogba to come out of the shell and dictate the play in the game.
Left Wing: Marcus Rashford
Not too many teams have a defender that can keep up with the pace of the young Rashford. With Mourinho wanting to rotate the squad a bit, it looks like Rashford might get an opportunity to run the Rostov defense ragged. Rashford has struggled a bit lately, but it will be a prime opportunity for him to get back on the scoresheet.
Right Wing: Juan Mata
Juan Mata has been a great threat for the Manchester United side over the past weeks. His runs behind the defense and ability on the ball has caused defenses major issues. Mata is a creator and Mourinho will love to have the creative touch in the side against a team that will most likely be sitting back and allowing United to have the ball.
Center Forward: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The big Swede will probably get the nod up front in this match. With Zlatan being charged by the FA, the Chelsea match at the weekend is probably out of the question. Mourinho will look to Ibrahimovic to get a match in before he has to watch some games from the stands.