Man United vs Astana prediction: Man United line-up
Manchester United start their Europa League campaign by going up against Kazakhastan’s Astana at Old Trafford. United were champions of this competition in the 16/17 season and will be going into it believing that they could do the same this season.
This will possibly be the easiest fixture on paper but United will want to get to a winning start and continue with some optimism after the win against Leicester City on the weekend to go on a run.
There will also be a lot of youngsters knocking on the door for an appearance after impressing during the pre-season tour and this is the perfect opportunity.
Team News
Jesse Lingard could be back to full fitness and will likely. Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba are unlikely to start as they’ll be needed for the game on the weekend against West Ham.
Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly are still recovering from injuries and will be out for a while.
Predicted XI
Manager – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Sergio Romero – Goalkeeper
Romero often starts the cup games and is a very safe pair of hands.
Ashley Young – Right-back
With Diogo Dalot still out, Young is likely to be deployed on the right and Wan-Bissaka will get a well-deserved break.
Axel Tuanzebe – Centre-back
The youngster made his first appearance off the bench against Leicester and should get his first start of the season against Astana.
Phil Jones – Centre-back
Jones should get a start against Astana after being out of the squad so far this season.
Marcos Rojo – Left-back
The Argentine will likely be deployed as a left-back, with Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot unavailable.
Nemanja Matic – Central midfield
The Serbian should start in front of the defence and will provide some cover.
Fred – Central midfield
The Brazilian was impressive in his 25-minute cameo and will be hoping to get some match-fitness and push himself into the starting 11 for the game against West Ham.
Jesse Lingard – Attacking midfield
The first line of the press, Lingard will be hoping that he can get on the scoresheet and play himself back into Solskjaer’s plans.
Tahith Chong – Right-wing
The youngster will provide pace and work-rate from the wing. He was very impressive in his cameo against Leicester.
Angel Gomes – Left-wing
The youngster will provide some much-needed creativity to the side and will be hoping he can get some of his pre-season form into this game.
Mason Greenwood – Centre-forward
United’s poster boy for the academy, Greenwood has been used as sub in most of the league games so far and will be hoping he can get on the scoresheet in this game.