The Manchester United lineup that should start against Roma

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must correct last season's errors this week
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must correct last season's errors this week / Pool/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Having made three semi finals last season but failing to advance from any of them, a two leg shootout with a severely out of form Roma side cannot result in anything less than victory for Manchester United.

The Red Devils were knocked out of the Europa League in the last four at the hands of eventual winners Sevilla, but have bounced back this season since arriving into the competition from the Champions League.

United hold fond memories of playing Roma in European competition, notably tearing them apart in a 7-1 win at Old Trafford in the 2007 Champions League. While a similar scoreline would be great, a win will do for the Red Devils to take into the second leg.

Here's who could start.


1. Goalkeeper & defenders

David De Gea
De Gea is looking to work his way back up into the first choice spot / Visionhaus/Getty Images

David de Gea (GK) - Relegated to Europa League duties having fallen down the pecking order, De Gea is doing the job justice and kept a clean sheet over two legs in the quarter final.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) - The Englishman has started all six Europa League games for United this season and rarely ever misses a fixture. Wan-Bissaka keeps his spot.

Victor Lindelof (CB) - Found his groove in recent weeks and is beginning to show signs of gelling alongside his captain.

Harry Maguire (CB) - Having missed the second leg of the last eight through suspension, Maguire comes back into the side for a huge game.

Alex Telles (LB) - Luke Shaw has been immense this season which has limited the impact Alex Telles has been able to make. He deserves a chance in this one to prove his worth and give Shaw a rest.

2. Midfielders

Paul Pogba
Pogba is back in the XI / Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Scott McTominay (CM) - McTominay has developed into one of the first names on the teamsheet for United when it comes to big games.

Paul Pogba (CM) - In a home tie where the onus is on United to attack, Paul Pogba must start alongside the Scot despite there being a case to suggest that Fred or Nemanja Matic should start. United must be braver.

Mason Greenwood (RM) - Greenwood has found his groove with four goals from his last four games, but is yet to bag in the Europa League this season. You'd fancy him to change that with the form he's in currently.

Bruno Fernandes (AM) - The Portuguese maestro has looked leggy in recent weeks with the goal contributions drying up to reflect that. He is United's magic man, though, and if anyone can turn a game on its head from nothing, it's Fernandes.

Marcus Rashford (LM) - Two goals in the Europa League so far for Rashford. Despite fans being concerned about potential injuries, the 23-year-old has to start in a game like this.

3. Forward

Edinson Cavani
Cavani could be the difference maker / Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Edinson Cavani (ST) - The Red Devils severely miss this man whenever he isn't on the pitch. Cavani's presence inside the box gives United a continuous goal threat and adds another dimension to their attack. El Matador starts.