Manchester United will lock horns with AS Roma at Old Trafford on Thursday night, hoping to pick up a positive result in the first leg of the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League.
The Red Devils will be coming into the match on the back of a lacklustre 0-0 draw against Leeds United, whereas Paulo Fonseca’s men recorded a 3-2 loss against Cagliari last week. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will probably opt for the 4-2-3-1 formation with several tweaks from the last game. David de Gea might get the nod over Dean Henderson, whereas Paul Pogba 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 replace Dean Henderson 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.
Victor Lindelof will continue 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 start at the other flank as the left-back. The duo would be expected to stay compact and keep their shape defensively.
Midfield
Fred is expected to start in the central midfield position, whereas Scott McTominay 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 in midweek.
Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba will take up the wide positions, playing on the right and left-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
Edinson Cavani is expected to lead the line for the hosts against AS Roma on Thursday. The Uruguayan’s adept movement in front of the goal could be utilised as an asset against Fonseca’s side, and after a rest last weekend, he would be raring to go into the contest.
Mason Greenwood might be brought on in the second forty-five minutes of the match if required.