The 3rd round of the F.A Cup will see Manchester United host Reading this Saturday, and it’s widely expected that Jose Mourinho will hand a large chunk of his senior players a deserved rest after a hectic end-of-the-year schedule.
Against the Championship side, led by former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam, a mix of experience, youth and 2nd-string players is anticipated for the Red Devils lineup, and the game would be a perfect opportunity for some of these players to prove their stuff.
A couple of Manchester United youngsters have had limited playing time this season, and here are 3 of such who are deserving of a chance when Reading come visiting.
The Dutch teenager has largely been on the fringes of first team action this season, and it seems the versatile player will have to wait for his breakthrough season at the Theater of Dreams.
Mensah has seen just Premier League action for just a minute this term, played 95 minutes of Europa League football and wasn’t even allowed to finish the EFL Cup clash against Northampton, getting withdrawn 10 minutes after the restart.
A position the 19-year-old would most likely be afforded action in the lineup this weekend would be at right-back, with Antonio Valencia making way.
Mensah has a lot of convincing to do and would hope to help the team to clinch an 8th consecutive victory across all competitions.
With Liverpool being their next Premier League fixture when action resumes on January 15, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is deserving of a rest, and he shouldn’t even be named on the bench for the clash against promotion-pursuing Reading.
Whilst the enigmatic Swede is enjoying his break, last season’s wonder kid Marcus Rashford should be on the pitch impressing him and showing why he is the true heir and next big thing.
The 19-year-old England international forward has had his sizeable amount of playing time this term but has had to settle for a place on the wings anytime he is allowed to taste action.
Everyone wants to see him leading the attack again, and all eyes will be on him if Mourinho allows him to. Rashford deserves such privilege and a chance to add to his tally of 5 goals this season without any Ibrahimovic interference.
Many at times, the world forgets that the 2015 Golden Boy Award winner is only 21. The France international is often being expected to play like a proven veteran, always getting the stone for any mistake he makes.
While that high demand won’t be stopping anytime soon after he raised the standards very high for himself last season, Martial is still learning the ropes and would be expected to show he is not another Angel di Maria who only took his time before flattering to deceive.
He is deserving of a chance very much on Saturday, as proving his worth to the perfectionist Special One is very necessary if he is to remain anywhere near Manchester United’s first team footballing activities.
The former Monaco ace should get a starting spot on the left of the attack against Reading, and would have to be in his elements against the 3rd-positioned Championship side.
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