Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eagerly-anticipating Thursday night’s clash with Granada. The Red Devils go into the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final 2-0 up from the first leg. So Express Sport will now bring you the latest team news, with seven changes expected.
Goalkeeper: De Gea
David De Gea has recently lost his status as United’s No 1.
The Spain international was Solskjaer’s main man before the birth of his child but, since returning from Spain, has found himself below Dean Henderson in the pecking order.
De Gea should, however, get the nod against Granada.
Solskjaer will want to keep both goalkeepers happy, especially with the summer transfer window creeping closer.
So it’s likely he’ll be deployed between the sticks to stop the visitors from scoring a crucial away goal.
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Defence: Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Tuanzebe, Telles
United will be without Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, with both players suspended after being booked in the first leg.
Therefore, with that the case, it looks like it’ll be Axel Tuanzebe’s time to shine.
Solskjaer suggested as much when speaking on Wednesday, saying: “Axel has always been a very positive and hard working boy.
“Victor and Harry have formed a very good partnership, his chances have been limited. He is ready for this opportunity.”
Telles should then come in for Shaw at left-back, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof keeping their places.
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Midfield: Matic, Fred, Van de Beek
United could use the match against Granada to rest Bruno Fernandes.
The Portugal international scored from the penalty spot in Spain and will be crucial when it comes to their hopes of winning the competition.
So Donny van de Beek could come in for him.
United may choose to leave Paul Pogba on the bench, too, especially given he’s finally fit again.
And it looks like Solskjaer will field a midfield of Fred and Nemanja Matic, as well as Van de Beek, as he hunts victory.
Forwards: Greenwood, Cavani, James
This United side is pretty inexperienced, Matic and De Gea aside.
So Solskjaer could pick Edinson Cavani to lead the line, with the 33-year-old having many memories of playing on such a big stage.
On the right wing is likely to be Mason Greenwood.
The England international produced a fine cameo off the bench against Tottenham last time and certainly warrants his selection.
On the opposite flank may be Daniel James, with Marcus Rashford not expected to be risked.
Solskjaer’s bizarre reasoning
United’s home form hasn’t been as good as in previous years this term.
And Solskjaer has come up with a rather unusual reason for that – blaming the amount of red colouring around Old Trafford.
“You’ll see a change now the banners around the place. It is not red anymore, we have looked into this,” he said.
“It shouldn’t be any reason really. But, some of the players have mentioned that split second decision, red shirts on red seats, we have tried to change that along with anti-racism campaign. That was important it is not red anymore.
“If you have got a 4-0 advantage we didn’t really have to win that game. First-leg vs Milan we still played well.”