Predicted Manchester United Lineup To Face Anderlecht In Europa League
Manchester United will embark on a trip to Brussels as they gear up to take on Belgian club Anderlecht in the first leg of the quarter-final tie of the UEFA Europa League this Thursday.
Jose Mourinho’s men made it to the final eight of the tournament after a hard fought 2-1 aggregate win over Russian side FC Rostov in the round of 16. They will have their task cut out against the Belgian league leaders. However, spirits will be high in the United camp, after having beaten Sunderland 3-0 over the weekend in the Premier League. They will look to carry the form into the first leg encounter of this last 8 tie of Europe’s second tier competition.
Team News
United have been hit hard by a recent bout of injuries to key members of the squad which has been a big concern for Mourinho. The Red Devils will be without captain Wayne Rooney who is nursing an ankle problem while Ashley Young could miss out due to a knock he picked up in the midweek league clash against Everton. Defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are sure unavailabilities as well, along with attacker Juan Mata who has been one of the best players for United this season.
Here is how United could line up against Anderlecht:
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Jose Mourinho
Sergio Romero (GK)
The Argentine started the weekend game against Sunderland due to a niggle to first-choice keeper David De Gea. However, having been the preferred option in the cup games, Romero will start in goal irrespective of De Gea’s fitness.
Antonio Valencia (RB)
The Ecuadorian international has been one of the most consistent players for United this term. He was rested for the Sunderland game keeping in view the Europa League. He will definitely return to the playing XI.
Eric Bailly (CB)
The Ivorian has impressed heavily in his debut season with Manchester United. With two key defenders ruled out, he will keep his place in the line-up.
Marcos Rojo (CB)
The Argentine international has grown in stature this season and is enjoying his best campaign in United colours since arriving. Definite starter.
Luke Shaw (LB)
It has been an amazing turnaround for the Englishman. After being heavily criticized by the manager, Shaw has stepped up and put in two excellent displays in his last two appearances, which should earn him a starting berth.
Michael Carrick (CM)
The veteran midfielder has been rested well, after being left out for the Sunderland game. Expect him to be reinstated to the three-man midfield in place of Marouane Fellaini.
Ander Herrera (CM)
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Herrera is the beating heart of the United midfield. The Spaniard has been excellent this season and is a sure thing in the line-up for the crunch away game.
Paul Pogba (CM)
The world-record signing is struggling to deliver on a constant basis for United, but his qualities are undoubted. He will keep his place in the starting XI.
Jesse Lingard (RW)
The 24-year old is coming into his own in recent weeks, with some dazzling performances. His movement off the ball and pace will cause serious issues to the Anderlecht defence.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (LW)
Will be in high spirits after he scored against Sunderland over the weekend. Has the ability to open up defences and score plenty by himself. He should hold on to his place in the side.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ST)
There is no way Manchester United will play without their leading goal-scorer. The giant Swede has been instrumental for Mourinho and United this season and is a constant figure in the side when available fors selection.