The Manchester United Lineup That Should Start Against FC Copenhagen
Manchester United are just three wins away from the club's second Europa League title in four seasons, and Danish side FC Copenhagen are their opponents for the one-legged quarter-final held in Cologne on Monday night.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side come into the match with an imperious record of just one defeat from the previous 23 fixtures across all competitions, in a run stretching back to January. However, if United fail to capture this continental title, it will be the third consecutive season without a trophy - which would be their longest run devoid of silverware since the late 1980s.
Having rested the majority of his first-choice XI in a limp 2-1 win over LASK last time out, Solskjaer will be able to call upon a strong - and, crucially, fresh - lineup for Monday night's knockout tie.
1. Goalkeeper and Defenders
Sergio Romero (GK) - Most of Manchester United's side picks itself, but the goalkeeper position has come under scrutiny after a number of high-profile errors from the regular number one David de Gea. Solskjaer has been steadfast in his defence of the Spaniard, but Romero is a more than an able deputy and has been a regular in the competition so far. The Argentina international has saved 11 of the 13 shots that have come his way in the tournament and can call upon his experience from United's run to the 2017 final.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) - The former Crystal Palace full-back has enjoyed an impressive debut season at Old Trafford, continuing his superb defensive output while tentatively improving at the other end of the pitch. Wan-Bissaka has been used sparingly throughout the competition, but is surely guaranteed of his place in this crucial tie.
Victor Lindelof (CB) - Manchester United have been linked with a bevvy of centre-backs at this early stage of the transfer window but Lindelof has been a fixture of a side with the third-best defensive record in the Premier League. His status as first-choice may not carry over to next season, but for this fixture, he certainly is.
Harry Maguire (CB) - No Manchester United player has played more minutes than Harry Maguire this campaign, a sizeable tally which will surely be added to on Monday night.
Brandon Williams (LB) - With Luke Shaw ruled out for the rest of the season, Williams - having recently signed a lengthy new deal - is an able and frequent deputy.
2. Midfielders
Paul Pogba (CM) - After mustering eight appearances before New Year's Day, Paul Pogba has racked up 12 largely impressive outings in less than two months post-lockdown. The reinvigorated World Cup winner has neared his best form in that time, adding another creative layer to the side from a slightly deeper midfield role.
Nemanja Matic (CM) - While his attacking teammates have lapped up deserved praise in recent weeks, Nemanja Matic's disciplined positioning has been key to the team's transformed midfield.
Bruno Fernandes (AM) - Few players have so emphatically rejuvenated a club as established as Bruno at United. After a rare rest against LASK - breaking a run of 20 consecutive appearances - Fernandes will be an even more threatening prospect for FC Copenhagen (if that is even possible).
3. Forwards
Mason Greenwood (RW) - Manchester United's latest academy starlet is in the midst of a finishing hot streak, and there is little reason to question whether FC Copenhagen's backline will be the next to be breached by a thumping finish (off either foot) from the 18-year-old forward.
Anthony Martial (ST) - The French number nine has enjoyed the most prolific - and impressive - campaign of his career, netting 23 goals across all competitions as part of a fluid, dynamic attacking trident.
Marcus Rashford (LW) - Martial's late strike against LASK nudged him one goal ahead of Marcus Rashford in their personal battle to be the club's top scorer. Copenhagen are far from a walkover, but they represent the next opportunity for Rashford to add to his tally as the season rapidly approaches its conclusion.