Manchester United are set to welcome Ukrainian minnows Zorya Luhansk to the Old Trafford on Thursday as they look to bounce back from their opening game loss against Dutch side Feyenoord. Jose Mourinho has been denied the chance test his youngsters after the loss in the first match and is likely to go into the match with his second string team.
United’s apparent mini-crisis went up in smoke as they thrashed reigning Champions Leicester City at their home last weekend and the win would have come as a huge boost to their bruised egos. Wayne Rooney was dropped to the bench as the Red Devils probably came up their best football in the last 5 years. The players who will be given an opportunity on Thursday, will in all probability, be fighting for their immediate future in the club. Jose Mourinho has a large squad to manage and there will be likely exits during the January transfer windows for players not deemed fit enough for first team action under the Special One.
With a string of changes expected on Thursday, we take a look at the line-up which will most likely make its way out onto the pitch at Old Trafford.
T4O’s PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED LINE-UP VS ZORYA LUHANSK (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Sergio Romero is likely to be reinstated between the sticks and will be confident of a clean sheet against the minnows. Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Darmian will fight for a place at right-back and will look to edge ahead of the other as the 2nd choice for the particular position. Daley Blind is expected to be used at centre-back with either Chris Smalling or Eric Bailly as his partner. Marcos Rojo is likely to be stationed at left-back and he will look to improve on his previous performances.
MIDFIELD
Morgan Schneiderlin will be hopeful for a start with his chances to impress the manager fast decreasing. He might be partnered by Ander Herrera or Michael Carrick in the double pivot. Wayne Rooney was benched against the Foxes and is in line for a recall. He might be installed in the No.10 position where his industry and attacking abilities will be utilised.
ATTACK
Memphis Depay is likely to get another start on the left-flank with Anthony Martial still out injured. Lingard might line up on the opposite flank then with Mata given a deserved rest and Henrikh Mkhitaryan still out injured. Zlatan Ibrahimović is in line to get a rest with Marcus Rashford likely to start in the role of the striker.
