Manchester United will lock horns with AC Milan at San Siro on Thursday night, hoping to pick up an away win and proceed into the quarter-finals of the Europa League campaign.
The Red Devils will be coming into the match on the back of a narrow 1-0 win over West Ham United, whereas Stefano Pioli’s men recorded a 1-0 loss vs Napoli in Serie A on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will probably opt for the 4-2-3-1 formation with several tweaks from the last game as several key players look likely to return for the second leg of the clash. Edinson Cavani might get the nod over Mason Greenwood, whereas Anthony Martial looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-2-3-1 Predicted Manchester United Line-up To Face AC Milan
Defence
Dean Henderson is expected to continue in goal for the upcoming home encounter. The English shot-stopper would be looking to add to his tally of five clean sheets in the last seven starts across all competitions.
Eric Bailly will replace Victor Lindelof to form the centre-half partnership with skipper Harry Maguire at the heart of United’s backline.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a guaranteed starter at the right-back position, whereas Luke Shaw will fill in on the other flank as the left-back. The English duo would be expected to stay compact and keep their shape defensively.
Midfield
There has been plenty of positive news for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the injury front as several key players look set to return against the Rossoneri.
“Injury-wise, I hope we have four or five players back for that game,” – The Norwegian coach stated.
“It’s very likely that Edinson and Anthony are fit, Donny hopefully as well. Paul even might make the trip, and David is back from isolation. That’s more numbers. Today we had two goalkeepers on the bench, so we need them back.”
As a result, Paul Pogba is expected to start in the central midfield position, whereas Scott McTominay will slot in as the defensive midfielder.
Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial remain sure-fire starters for United this week, and it’ll be an understatement to say The Red Devils will be highly dependent on the former’s creative work if they want to stand a chance against AC Milan.
Marcus Rashford looks likely to start the game over on the right flank, looking for opportunities to stretch the attack using his pace and directness whenever possible.
Fred will have to settle for a place on the bench but might be called upon in the latter stages of the game if needed.
Attack
Veteran striker Edinson Cavani will lead Manchester United’s attack up top on Thursday. The Uruguayan’s adept movement in front of the goal can be utilized as an asset against Pioli’s side.
Mason Greenwood could come on as an impact substitute in the second forty-five minutes.
