Manchester United will lock horns with AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night, hoping to pick up a positive result and proceed into the finals of the UEFA Europa League.
The Red Devils will be coming into the match with a comfortable four-goal lead, whereas Paulo Fonseca’s men recorded a 2-0 loss against Sampdoria in Serie A.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will probably opt for the 4-2-3-1 formation with several tweaks from the last game. Alex Telles might get the nod over Luke Shaw, whereas Mason Greenwood looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-2-3-1 Predicted Manchester United Line-up To Face AS Roma
Defence
David de Gea is expected to start in goal for the upcoming home encounter. The Spanish shot-stopper would be looking to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Thursday.
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 Alex Telles might fill in on the other flank as the left-back. The duo would be expected to stay compact and keep their shape defensively.
Midfield
Paul Pogba is expected to start in the central midfield position, whereas Nemanja Matic will slot in as the defensive midfielder.
Given United’s comfortable four-goal lead, Donny van de Beek might be given a rare opportunity to start the game in midweek. The Dutchman has found himself struggling for regular playing time this season; however, he’ll be looking to make the most of his opportunity on Thursday.
Marcus Rashford and Daniel James will take up the wide positions, playing on the right and left-wing respectively.
Bruno Fernandes 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
Mason Greenwood is expected to lead the line for the visitors against AS Roma on Thursday. The Englishman’s adept movement in front of the goal could be utilised as an asset against Fonseca’s side.
Edinson Cavani might be brought on in the second forty-five minutes of the match if needed.