Manchester United should not have too hard of a time making it into the last 16 of the Europa League after registering a 4-0 win over Real Sociedad in the first leg. And while anything can happen in football, the Red Devils are clear favourites going into the game.
That also means that they will get a golden opportunity to rest some of their regular starters who have been playing non-stop for the past several months as the team compete on multiple fronts in their quest to lift some silverware this season.
Also, it is a great chance for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to start some of the youngsters and fringe stars, and check who perhaps deserves a bigger role going forward. Because while United are going through a great campaign till now, they are still a long way from being perfect and there is room for improvement in all areas of the pitch.
Here’s how we think Solskjaer will line Manchester United up when they take on Real Sociedad in the second of the round of 32 tie at Old Trafford:
Dean Henderson
Brandon Williams
Harry Maguire
Eric Bailly
Alex Telles
Fred
Nemanja Matic
Daniel James
Juan Mata
Marcus Rashford
Mason Greenwood
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Expect a lot of youth and a bit of experience for Manchester United
The Red Devils might go into the game with a 4-0 lead but Solskjaer might not want to leave everything at the hands of a very young team. Thus, it should not come as a surprise if Maguire starts just to add some leadership at the back if nothing else. The rest of the defence might have a very different look than most days though.
Further up the pitch, Mata and James should get chances to start while Greenwood might finally get to play through the middle, in what many believe to be his best position.
If things are as good as over by half-time, do not be surprised to see youngsters like Shola Shoretire and Amad get significant minutes on the pitch in the second half, as they continue their integration into Manchester United’s first-team.