Fourth-placed Manchester United will play hosts to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night hoping to pick up a win and return to their winning ways after being held on to an unfortunate 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium last week. On the other hand, Wolves showed tremendous will power to record a last-minute goal against Jose Mourinho’s men to snatch a point on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will probably opt for his usual 4-2-3-1 formation. However, with the fixtures coming thick and fast, the Norwegian coach has been left sweating over the fitness of several key members in the starting line-up.
Defence
David De Gea will continue to operate between the sticks hoping to improve upon his form and pick up a clean sheet this time. The Spaniard shot-stopper has conceded four goals in the last 2 league matches, with his last clean sheet coming in the Manchester Derby.
Victor Lindelof, who started as a right-back for the injured Aaron Wan-Bissaka vs Leicester, had to be taken off in the second-half due to an aggravated back injury. Eric Bailly will be expected to form the centre-half partnership with Harry Maguire at the heart of United’s backline. The Ivorian defender put up an impressive performance against Everton in the Carabao Cup quarter-final but looked sloppy at times against Rodger’s men.
Academy graduate Axel Tuanzebe should slot in at the right-back spot with Luke Shaw retaining his spot on the other flank, as a left-back. The latter has been in fine form lately, exhibiting monstrous work-rate to help his team-mates at both ends of the pitch.
Midfield
Scott McTominay, who was a doubt prior to the Leicester game, could play full ninety minutes and will be expected to retain his position alongside Fred at the centre of the park. The duo has been of great defensive importance to Ole this season and should be given starts if fully fit.
Having bagged ten goals and six assists in 14 league outings, Bruno Fernandes will continue to operate as his side’s creator-in-chief. The Portuguese playmaker could be accompanied by Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood on either wing, as the English duo will be looking to use their pace and directness to breeze past Nuno’s defence.
Even though Rashford lasted for full 90 minutes against the Foxes, the England international remains a concern ahead of the clash at Old Trafford as he was hit with a shoulder problem. “Yeah, [Rashford] felt his shoulder a bit. The lad tugged his arm, which he felt.” Ole stated after the match.
Paul Pogba will have to be content with a place on the bench but might come on in the later stages of the game if needed.
Attack
Anthony Martial will spearhead the home side’s attack up top. The Frenchman has struggled to find the back of the net this season, so he will be eager to put up a strong performance on Tuesday night.
Edinson Cavani might be called into action to make a difference in the second-half if required.
