Manchester United will lock horns with Granada at Old Trafford on Thursday night, hoping to pick up a positive result and proceed into the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League.
The Red Devils will be coming into the match on the back of an impressive 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, whereas Diego Martinez’s men recorded a 2-1 victory against Valladolid.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will probably opt for the 4-2-3-1 formation with a couple of tweaks from the last game. Donny van de Beek might get the nod over Bruno Fernandes, whereas Alex Telles looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-2-3-1 Predicted Manchester United Line-up To Face Granada
Defence
Dean Henderson will start in goal for the upcoming home encounter. The English shot-stopper would be looking to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Thursday.
Eric Bailly is expected to remain available for the upcoming match as he is still stuck in Ivory Coast.
“He needs a negative test before he can come back to us.” – Solskjaer revealed.
“It’ll take the time that it takes, unfortunately. That’s the world we live in at the moment, and we’ve got to take the precautionary measures. Hopefully, Eric is still feeling okay. The last time I spoke to him, he was alright.”
As a result, Victor Lindelof will form the centre-half partnership with Axel Tuanzebe at the heart of United’s backline.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a guaranteed starter at the right-back position, whereas Alex Telles will replace Luke Shaw on the other flank as the left-back. The duo would be expected to stay compact and keep their shape defensively.
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw remain suspended for the midweek clash.
Midfield
Paul Pogba is expected to start in the central midfield position, whereas Fred will slot in as the defensive midfielder.
Bruno Fernandes remains a sure-fire starter for United this week, and it’ll be an understatement to say The Red Devils will be highly dependent on the Portugal international’s creative work if they wish to pick up a positive result against the Nazaries.
He will be accompanied by Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood on either side, playing on the left and right-wing, respectively.
Donny van de Beek 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
Having picked up an unfortunate knee injury during the recent international break, it’s doubtful if Anthony Martial will feature again for Manchester United this season.
“Anthony has started his recovery and, if we see him before the end of the season, I will be very surprised.” – The Norwegian coach revealed.
“But, of course, he is determined to come back as quickly as he can. There are important games for us before the end of the season, and then there are the Euros [with France, in the summer].
“He has already come in [to the training ground], he is bright around the place. [He’s] disappointed he can’t help us now, but, of course, he wants to work to get back as quickly as possible.”
As a result, Edinson Cavani is expected to lead the line for the hosts against Granada on Thursday. The Uruguayan’s adept movement in front of the goal could be utilised as an asset against Martinez’s side.
