Manchester United will have to take a long trip to Russia during this week as they go head to head against FC Rostov in the first leg of their Round-Of-16 encounter in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.
Jose Mourinho’s side played out a frustrating 1-1 draw at home on Saturday against AFC Bournemouth and will be hoping to get a better result in Europe. The two teams have never faced each other before in the past and United will be looking to come away with a win on Thursday.
With Chelsea up next in the line for United in the FA Cup, expect Mourinho to ring in the changes for this match. Henrikh Mkhitaryan will remain unavailable for the game, while Bastian Schweinsteiger should recover from a minor knock. Eric Bailly will be absent due to suspension after he received a red card in Red Devils’ previous fixture against St. Etienne.
Here is how United could start against Rostov on Thursday:
Predicted Manchester United Line-Up
Sergio Romero (GK)
Mourinho has shuffled his goalkeepers for the Europa League fixtures. So, expect Romero to start in Russia after featuring in both ties of the last round.
Antonio Valencia (RB)
The Ecuadorian was United’s best player over the weekend and should keep his place for the European encounter on Thursday night.
Chris Smalling (CB)
The Englishman was left out for the game against Bournemouth. But with Eric Bailly suspended for the game and Phil Jones’ horror show on Saturday, expect Smalling to start.
Marcos Rojo (CB)
Alongside Smalling will be Marcos Rojo. The Argentine international has looked solid at centre-back this season and scored United’s only goal in the weekend. Should start on Thursday.
Matteo Darmian (LB)
The Italian has found a new lease of life after struggling for game time in the early parts of the season. Should start ahead of Daley Blind and Luke Shaw, keeping in mind that Chelsea will be up next for United.
Ander Herrera (CM)
Was rested for the weekend fixture, but should definitely be reinstated in the middle of the park for the clash against the Russian side.
Marouane Fellaini (CM)
Partnering Ander Herrera will be Marouane Fellaini. With the cup clash against Chelsea coming up, we expect the likes of Michael Carrick and Paul Pogba to be rested. So, it is the Belgian who gets the nod.
Jesse Lingard (RW)
The Englishman will start on the right ahead of Juan Mata, who had a largely ineffective outing against Bournemouth.
Wayne Rooney (CAM)
With Mkhitaryan still unavailable, we expect the captain to get another run in the side on Thursday. Could be an opportunity for him to get back his form.
Anthony Martial (LW)
The Frenchman has won back Mourinho’s trust with some strong displays in recent weeks. Should feature from the kick-off on Thursday.
Marcus Rashford (ST)
And leading the line for United will be Marcus Rashford. The youngster hasn’t got a regular run in the side at the top, but with Zlatan Ibrahimović looking jaded over the weekend, Rashford should start as the striker.