Manchester United will play hosts to FC Astana at Old Trafford in the opening match of their UEFA Europa League campaign on Thursday night. The Red Devils come into this encounter on the back of a 1-0 home draw against Leicester City last weekend so their confidence would be sky-high ahead of this European clash.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation and will make a lot of changes to his side for this clash versus Roman Hryhorchuk’s men.
4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup To Face Astana
Defence
Sergio Romero might get a rare chance to start in goal for the Red Devils on Thursday night. Both Alex Tuanzebe and Phil Jones will operate at the heart of the Man United backline as they look to keep the Astana attackers at bay in midweek.
Ashley Young might fill in as the right-back while Marcos Rojo could get a chance to impress from the left-back position. Both full-backs will need to step up to the plate and put in a matured defensive display against the side from Kazakhstan.
The Red Devils managed to earn a clean sheet in their last home game versus the Foxes on Saturday. Solskjaer would keep his fingers crossed that his men can replicate a similar performance at the Theatre of Dreams later this week.
Midfield
Both Nemanja Matic and Fred will play as the anchormen in midfield as they try to dictate play and create some decent openings in the opposition half. They would also be responsible for providing adequate protection for the Man United backline.
The talented trio of Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong and Jesse Lingard could play ahead of them as part of the Red Devils attack. They would be expected to fashion some decent chances for Greenwood up top.
Juan Mata will be available on Solskjaer’s bench and might get an opportunity to make an impact if needed.
Attack
Mason Greenwood will get the honour to lead the line up top. The young striker will look to make a positive impression on Thursday night as he tries to stake his claim for a permanent place in Solskjaer’s senior team. Marcus Rashford could be a part of the Man United bench and will be expected to come on and influence the contest in the second half.
