Manchester United vs Colchester Prediction: Manchester United line-up

Manchester United welcome League Two side Colchester United in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The Red Devils, under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have hit form in recent weeks, managing 2 wins out of their last 3 league games and are now only four points short of fourth-placed Chelsea.

Manchester United players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)

Lower-division side Colchester, meanwhile, have sprung a surprise this season. They had to battle it out through four rounds to get to this stage, with the elimination of Tottenham via penalties being the icing on the cake.

The John McGreal-led side are now ninth in League Two and would be looking for an upset when they meet the Premier League outfit. United are now on an 11-game unbeaten run at home from all competitions while Colchester have won just 2 of their last six away games.

Team News

Defenders Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah, who are both down due to knee injury, are not expected to return to action until January next year.

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly remains ruled out due to injury. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the specifics of Argentine Marcos Rojo’s injury have not been made public by United so far but he would return in the last week of December.

Diogo Dalot had been sidelined recently due to a groin strain, however, could feature against Colchester if found fit. Paul Pogba remains ruled out and will start training next week after missing out almost two-and-a-half months of action due to a foot injury.

Predicted Manchester United line-up

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Sergio Romero (GK)

The seasoned Argentine has been United’s main man in goal for their cup competitions and is sure to start.

Manchester United keeper Sergio Romero. (Getty Images)

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB)

United’s most solid performer at the back this season. He has given a hard time for the opposition attackers with his excellent tackling and interceptions.

Axel Tuanzebe (CB)

The young centre-back might feature against the lower division side. He would be keen to get some game time since returning from injury recently.

Harry Maguire (CB)

The experienced centre-back has not yet performed to his own standards but would be given the task of leading the United backline.

Moise Kean of Everton is put under pressure by Harry Maguire of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC at Old Trafford on December 15, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Getty Images) — Moise Kean of Everton is put under pressure by Harry Maguire of Manchester United during a Premier League match at Old Trafford. (Getty Images)

Brandon Williams (LB)

The youngster has already featured twice in the cup competition and should be given a chance to prove himself, having impressed recently.

Scott McTominay (CM)

McTominay has shown great maturity and character in the middle for United this season. At the moment, he is their most reliable midfielder in the side.

Fred (CM)

The Brazilian has started in 2 of United’s 3 Carabao Cup encounters and has started to make his presence felt in recent games.

Manchester United midfielder Fred. (Getty Images)

Jesse Lingard (CAM)

The Englishman is once again back in Ole’s good books and has appeared in United’s most recent fixtures. He has 1 assist from 2 cup games so far.

Daniel James (RW)

His pace on the right flank has been a headache to the opposition defenders this season. However, he needs to improve on his finishing.

Mason Greenwood (ST)

The teenager has proven his mettle whenever given an opportunity. He recently rescued United by scoring against Everton to end the game 1-1.

Marcus Rashford (LW)

United’s leading goal-scorer in the league and their only consistent performer. He has scored 2 goals in just 1 Carabao cup appearance.

[Image] Williams at left-back? Predicted 4-2-3-1 Man United XI to face Colchester