Manchester United will travel to the AFAS Stadion to clash heads with AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night. The Mancunian outfit will be hoping to pick up their second win of this UEFA Europa League campaign. The Red Devils managed to secure a 1-0 victory over Astana last month which has put them in a commanding position in the Europa League Group L standings.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation and might name Marcos Rojo and Mason Greenwood in his starting XI for this contest on the road.
4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup To Face AZ Alkmaar
Defence
Sergio Romero will get an opportunity to start in between the sticks for the Red Devils in this midweek clash. Both Marcos Rojo and Victor Lindelof will try to put in an improved defensive performance at the heart of Solskjaer’s backline. Phil Jones can be ruled out of this encounter, but Harry Maguire should be available for a place on the Man United bench.
Ashley Young might have to fill in as the right-back as Diogo Dalot is unlikely to recover in time for this European encounter. Alex Tuanzebe had a good game in the left-back position against Arsenal on Monday night, so he could keep his place for the trip to Alkmaar later this week.
The Mancunian outfit has failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their past three matches across all competitions. Hence, Solskjaer would hope that his defenders can turn things around for the better and keep a shut out away at the Netherlands.
Midfield
Both Nemanja Matic and Fred will play as the holding midfielders as they try to disrupt the opposition’s play and create chances for the front players. The talented trio of Tahith Chong, Andreas Pereira and Mason Greenwood could operate ahead of them as part of the Red Devils attack. Greenwood managed to find the back of the net versus Astana last month so he will be confident of replicating a similar goal-scoring display in Europe on Thursday night.
Juan Mata didn’t get a chance to feature against Arsenal, but he should be available for this clash against Alkmaar. However, Solskjaer might start him on the bench and call upon his services during the game if required.
Paul Pogba might be rested in this Europa League encounter with a trip to Newcastle United coming up next weekend.
Attack
Marcus Rashford will once again get an opportunity to impress as the centre-forward. The English striker’s performances have been poor for Man United this season, so he is in dire need of a goal versus Alkmaar in midweek.
Jesse Lingard will have to settle for a place on Solskjaer’s bench but could get a chance to make an impact in this game if needed.
