This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
In arguably Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s greatest week as manager of Manchester United, the Red Devils pulled off two seismic victories when the pressure was at its most intense. Reports in recent weeks had suggested the Norwegian was fighting for his job at Old Trafford following a less than stellar start to the campaign, but in the space of a few days, the momentum and mood has well and truly turned around.
First, United edged aside their former manager Jose Mourinho and his new Tottenham team, before doing the improbable by beating the current Premier League champions and their noisy neighbours Manchester City in their own back-yard. The Red Devils’ tails are well and truly up, and with first place in their Europa League group on the line on Thursday night, Solskjaer will no doubt want to make sure his team continues where they left off.
And with that in mind, below is a look at how United could potentially line up against AZ Alkmaar.
Sergio Romero will no doubt resume goalkeeping duties in the Europa League, whilst the Red Devils may opt for a more experienced back-line than the one they fielded against FC Astana last time out. That night saw Di’Shon Bernard and Ethan Laird come into the team, with the former unfortunately scoring the own goal that handed the home side the victory.
The likes of Ashley Young and Diogo Dalot (who Solskjaer confirmed in his pre-match press conference is back in training fully) could come in. As for the two deeper-lying midfield positions, the United boss also revealed Nemanja Matic will feature against Alkmaar, whilst James Garner’s substitution in the U23s victory over West Brom on Monday night may be an indication of his involvement.
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Ahead of the duo, Mason Greenwood, Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira may be given the chance to shine once more, whilst Anthony Martial’s withdrawal after 74 minutes against City could mean he is deployed up front.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have been told to sell this big-money star and reinvest the money elsewhere by a former Premier League manager.
