Man Utd predicted XI vs PSG: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces huge selection dilemma as the side visits Paris.
Manchester United are going through an injury crisis at the moment. After losing nine of their first team starters last week, the side faced another big blow ahead of the PSG clash.
Alexis Sanchez has been ruled out for at least two months with ligament damage. The Chilean attacker suffered the injury during the game against Southampton.
His injury leaves Manchester United with only two first-team attackers – Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku.
All of the first-team midfielders are also unavailable for the game. While Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic are injured, Paul Pogba is suspended for the game due to a red card in the first leg.
In such a scneario, Solskjaer, Phelan and the staff must be having a hard time framing their starting XI for the game at Parc des Princes.
Goalkeeper: De Gea
Thankfully for Solskjaer, their first-choice goalkeeper is still uninjured and in good form. David De Gea has been key to many wins for the side in the last few months and set to take the position as he aims to deny the PSG attackers at Paris.
Defenders: Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to keep a similar back four to his last two games. Smalling and Lindelof have been impressive in the games against Palace and Southampton, and are expected to take the field against PSG as well.
Brendan Rogers – Beaten first game
Scott Parker – Beaten first game
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer unbeaten in 12 games in the league since taking charge. But his jobs easier because he’s only here to make us smile again. @jonmikesav8 @utdandy pic.twitter.com/KxHPWWC2VD
— James Jackson (@Doublejayz72) March 4, 2019
Luke Shaw has been brilliant since the last few games, and his solid performance to keep Mohamed Salah at bay was lauded by fans and pundits alike. Ashley Young has also been an excellent team player and Solskjaer may need experience in the side after key injuries in the squad.
Midfield: McTominay, Dalot, Fred, Pereira
The midfield has been worst-hit for Manchester United in the last few days. Prior to the game against Liverpool, Nemanja Matic was ruled out for a month due to a training session injury.
Ander Herrera and Juan Mata were substituted with muscle injuries and are yet to gain match fitness, while Pogba is on a match’s suspension.
The game against PSG would be a huge test for Manchester United’s inexperienced midfield. However, it’s needless to say that it wouldn’t be fair assessment for them if they come short against the Parisians.
Scott McTominay has been impressive in the game against Liverpool and retained his place against Crystal Palace and Southampton. Andreas Pereira is oozing with confidence after scoring a stunner against the Saints which gave side the parity in the game.
Fred hasn’t had a good time at Manchester United so far, but did the job fairly well after coming on as a substitute, as he played a part in a memorable comeback on the weekend.
Rio Ferdinand: “I don’t agree with that [Paul Ince saying he can’t do Solskjær’s job], because one of the most decorated managers of our generation, Mourinho, failed – to change the mentality, the dynamics and ambience of the changing room isn’t an easy thing.” #mulive [mirror]
— utdreport (@utdreport) March 2, 2019
While Diogo Dalot played a fairly decent role in replacing Alexis Sanchez on the right wing, it would be very unlikely to throw the highly inexperienced youngster to lead the attack in a big European night. However, Dalot’s brilliant form means the Portuguese footballer could be on the starting XI, playing at right midfield.
Forward: Rashford, Lukaku
Marcus Rashford’s return gave a huge boost to Solskjaer as the side aims to overturn the deficit in the Champions League tie. Romelu Lukaku has timed his return to form with absolute perfection, as he stepped up after an injury crisis.
Rooney: “He’s (Solskjaer) just brought smiles back to the players’ faces, and brought enjoyment back to the players, but also to the staff who work behind the scenes.” #mufc
— Man Utd Empire (@Empire_Mu) March 2, 2019
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the only serious candidate to succeed Jose Mourinho as full-time manager. No other manager has been approached to discuss the position. #mufc [ESPN]
— Man Utd Empire (@Empire_Mu) March 2, 2019
The Belgian striker has scored a brace in his last two games and would look to add to his numbers as the side takes on PSG.
Man Utd starting XI vs PSG: De Gea, Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Dalot, Fred, Pereira; Rashford, Lukaku