With Manchester United having already booked their place in the Champions League knockout phases this season, Ralf Rangnick was always expected to name a much changed starting XI in their final group stage game against Young Boys. But even then, not many could have predicted the team that he would go with in only his second game in charge of the club.
Rangnick has always been known for trusting the youth and that appears to be the way that he has gone with on this occasion.
Amad and Anthony Elanga have both been named in the starting XI. But at the same time, there is quite a bit of mixture with experience as well, with players like Nemanja Matic, who is the captain on the night, and Juan Mata playing as well.
Donny van de Beek, Jesse Lingard and Dean Henderson have all gotten big chances to show the interim manager what they can do. Manchester United tweeted out their starting XI:
Ralf freshens up his side for tonight's #UCL encounter! 📋👊#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 8, 2021
Rangnick has named a very different Manchester United starting XI
The bench is filled with youngsters as well as Rangnick has decided to give some of the club’s regular starters much needed rest on this occasion.
For a change, there is not a lot of pressure on Manchester United to get a result here. They are already guaranteed to go through to the next round and as a result, this is a good opportunity for Rangnick to give some players minutes on the pitch and hopefully see what he is working with.
While a lot might not depend on the result here, this could turn out to be a big game for some players who have finally gotten a chance to impress. Also, Manchester United lost the reverse fixture and thus, they must be keen to get their win back against Young Boys.