After managing a 3-3 draw against Everton which saw them drop two more valuable points in the Premier League title race, the FA Cup might just be the best shot that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has at winning a trophy with Manchester United this season.
Now, it is entirely possible that the Red Devils could claw their way back up the table. They are still at second and just 5 points adrift of Manchester City. A couple of bad results from Pep Guardiola’s men and the title race will be back on once again.
Even then, having conceded a 95th minute equaliser and with Paul Pogba now out injured for the next couple of weeks, it feels like the club has lost some of the momentum that they had built up over that brilliant streak following the defeat at the hands of Arsenal back in early November.
The 5th round FA Cup tie against West Ham United will provide them the opportunity to get some of that momentum back though. Here’s how we think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will line his players up on the night.
Manchester United Predicted XI
Dean Henderson
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Harry Maguire
Victor Lindelof
Alex Telles
Scott McTominay
Fred
Donny van de Beek
Mason Greenwood
Edinson Cavani
Marcus Rashford
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Henderson will most likely get a chance to impress, especially with David de Gea struggling in goal at the moment. The defence will remain pretty much the same due to the lack of options at the moment. Telles might get a run out in the park though.
Of course, the big news is that Van de Beek could get a start. Opportunities have been few and far between for the former Ajax midfielder ever since he moved to Old Trafford in the summer. But this could be a good opportunity to give Bruno Fernandes a much needed rest. If Manchester United are to make a title charge, they will need the Portuguese midfielder fit and fresh.
Up top, Cavani should get the nod once again after scoring against Everton at the weekend. And he could be flanked by Greenwood and Rashford on either side.
Solskjaer’s side has been criticised for failing to get past the semi-final stage in cup competitions but at least they always make it to that stage. That could be bad news for West Ham United.