Manchester United will have the chance to seal their progress into the next round when they face FC Basel in the UEFA Champions League. The Red Devils have won the previous four group stage matches and will be looking forward to a perfect ending as a group leader.
It is quite surprising how a club like Manchester United wasn’t able to participate in Europe’s premier tournament on a consistent basis as the Red Devils had to be without any Champions League football in the last three seasons.
United came back to their familiar attacking mode as they defeated Newcastle United with some quality football on the pitch. Paul Pogba played his first match since coming back from an injury and imminently showed his class as he scored one and set up another.
A number of fringe players are expected to take part as Mourinho is unlikely to take chance in the midst of a hectic schedule.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Manchester United Starting Lineup Vs Basel
Defence
David De Gea is expected to be in goal.
Victor Lindelof has had a very slow start for United since his multi-million move from Benfica. The defender is still coping with the tough nature of the Premier League and could make his first consecutive start of this season.
Chris Smalling was pretty impressive against the Magpies and is a definite starter in this match.
Daley Blind is likely to be called up to fill in the left back role while Matteo Darmian will start in the right back position.
Midfield
Ander Herrera is expected to feature in the midfield. The Spaniard has seen his game time curtailed following the arrival of Nemanja Matic but might be used to give some well-deserved rest to the Serbian enforcer in the middle of the pitch.
Scott McTominay started his first Champions League match against Benfica and is in contention to make his second start in the Champions League.
Attack
Marcus Rashford has been a regular this term and the English international could be used as Mourinho is eyeing an outright result to secure his side’s spot in the knockout stages.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan was missing from the squad that thrashed Newcastle 4-1 as Mourinho explained that the player was not selected due to tactical reasons. Mkhitaryan will get another shot against Basel to impress his gaffer.
Juan Mata will start on the right wing.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic made a sooner than expected return from an injury in the last match and he will be in the lineup to lead the attack for his side.
