The Manchester United XI That Should Start Against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League
Manchester United face AZ Alkmaar in their final Europa League group game on Thursday night. Qualification was wrapped up back on matchday four, but United must still avoid defeat here to ensure they finish top of the group and are seeded for the first knockout round.
With a busy run of the Premier League games coming up over the festive period, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to rotate his team for this one. However, that it isn’t expected to see a repeat of the predominantly teenage side that faced Astana last month.
Here’s a look at the starting XI is likely to pick…
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Sergio Romero (GK) – Even Romero was left out of the trip to Kazakhstan last time, but the Argentine was alongside Solskjaer for press duty on Wednesday and is expected to return.
Ashley Young (RB) – Rest for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot only just resuming training is likely to see Young fill in at right-back. He will also captain the side.
Axel Tuanzebe (CB) – Tuanzebe has appeared twice as a Premier League substitute and started in Kazakhstan since returning from injury. The 22-year-old needs minutes.
Phil Jones (CB) – With Marcos Rojo out and others to be rested, there could be a chance for Jones to make up for a catastrophic 45 minutes in his last appearance against Sheffield United.
Brandon Williams (LB) – After three consecutive Premier League starts, Williams was left on the bench for the recent wins over Tottenham and Manchester City. Should get his place back.
Midfielders
James Garner (CM) – Garner was substituted unusually early in United’s Under-23 win over West Brom on Monday night, pointing to the 18-year-old’s likely involvement in this one.
Dylan Levitt (CM) – Where Garner played reduced minutes on Monday, Levitt wasn’t involved at all and could start a second European game. Nemanja Matic is set to feature at some point, although a start feels unlikely given the length of his mystery injury layoff.
Andreas Pereira (RM) – It may be that Pereira has to increasingly make do with a fringe role as United improve. He has been out of his depth of late and will fare better further forward.
Juan Mata (AM) – The ‘number 10’ is Mata’s best position but he has rarely had the opportunity to play in a United shirt over the years. This promises to be a relatively rare run out for him.
Angel Gomes (LM) – Gomes and Tahith Chong each played 90 minutes for the Under-23 team on Monday, but rotation of the usual starters could well see them share a role on Thursday.
Forward
Mason Greenwood (ST) – Solskjaer will want to protect Anthony Martial at all costs, so a start for Greenwood is to be expected. The 18-year-old has scored twice in Europe this season.
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