Manchester United will head into their Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo with a makeshift backline after the likes of Eric Bailly and Luke Shaw suffered injuries against Swansea City over the weekend – the latter of whom is out for the season with a ligament damage (The Star).
Jose Mourinho has had his selection problems over the past couple of weeks, but he will undoubtedly be boosted by the return of Paul Pogba, who was dearly missed for the outings against Swansea and Manchester City.
Formation: 4-3-3
Lineup:
Sergio Romero has revelled as United’s number one in the Europa League, and he is a definite starter for the first leg of the showdown at Balaídos.
Antonio Valencia has time and time again proved his worth as the makeshift right-back, and he will take up his place alongside Ashley Young in the opposite direction.
The central defence will definitely see a change on Thursday night with Matteo Darmian likely to step up in Eric Bailly’s absence. Phil Jones has rejoined the Red Devils in training, but he will still be short of match fitness. Expect Daley Blind to take up his position with Darmian at the heart of the backline.
Moving forward, Ander Herrera has been rock solid in the central role, and he could be urged to play in a slightly deeper position with Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba featuring ahead of him in a midfield three.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Rashford will retain their positions on the right and left wing respectively after the pair found the scoresheet in the second leg versus Anderlecht.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic still on a long injury path after surgery, Anthony Martial will play upfront for United after his short 30-minute appearance in the previous outing.
Prediction:
Manchester United will have a test on their hands this time around with Celta capable of getting a goal of their own from the in-form Iago Aspas. The game is likely to be open from both ends with the Spanish club likely to push for a significant advantage from the first leg. United to get the away goal.
Celta Vigo 2 – 1 Manchester United
Image – Getty