Ibra Is Back: Strongest Manchester United XI To Face Rostov In Europa League

Predicted Manchester United Line-Up To Face Rostov

Jose Mourinho’s dream of a cup treble in his first season in charge of Manchester United came to a crashing end as they were held by an in-form Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge on Monday. But just days later, they are back in action, defending their place in another cup competition; the Europa League. The Red Devils moved into the round of 16 of the Europa League after a victory over Saint-Etienne in the previous round and also managed to take an away goal in a 1-1 draw against Russian side FC Rostov in the first leg of this round.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan gave United the much-needed goal on a night where not much was in favour of the English club. They will welcome the Russian outfit to the Old Trafford hoping to finish the game in normal time. With a game against Middlesbrough coming up in the league on Sunday, Mourinho will hope to save his team’s legs but will still go with a strong lineup.

Team News:

The Red Devils will be able to play Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcos Rojo and Ander Herrera all of who are suspended for the next couple of domestic games. Eric Bailly is available for selection as well after serving a one-match suspension.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

GK – Sergio Romero:

Romero had a decent outing in Russia and he should keep his place in the side for the home tie as he has been starting the majority of cup games for Manchester United.

RB – Antonio Valencia:

Valencia was lucky to escape a red in the game against Chelsea and he should take that game out of the system as he has an important role to play for his side on Thursday.

CB –Eric Bailly:

After a less than impressive effort in the FA Cup tie, Mourinho should change the center-back pairing and should get Bailly back into the first XI.

CB – Phil Jones:

Had a decent outing against the likes of Costa and Chelsea and will hope to have a similar game alongside Bailly at the back for Manchester United.

LB – Marcos Rojo:

The stamp on Eden Hazard looked painful but Rojo is still available for selection in the Europa League and Mourinho should stick with him at left-back.

CM – Ander Herrera:

Another player who is suspended in the domestic competitions, Herrera picked up a silly red in the FA Cup tie but will be back in action to help his side in this game against Rostov.

CM – Paul Pogba:

Pogba needs to step up for his side in this game if they are to progress into the next round without much fuzz. He was ineffective against Chelsea and he would be keen on changing that.

RW – Henrikh Mkhitaryan:

Sacrificed in the first half after Herrera’s red against Chelsea, Mkhitaryan will be raring to take on the Russian outfit in this tie at the Old Trafford.

CAM – Juan Mata:

Juan Mata had no role to play in the FA Cup and should play just behind Zlatan in this Europa league tie.

LW – Marcus Rashford:

Rashford started up front against Chelsea in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. however, he should be pushed to the wing for the second leg of this clash.

ST – Zlatan Ibrahimovic:

The Swede was suspended for the FA Cup tie against the Blues and having got a decent rest, he should be at the top his game in this game.

This is how they would line up: