Manchester United would face off with FC Barcelona in the reverse fixture of their Europa League playoff on Thursday night.
The Red Devils played a 2-2 stalemate when they visited the Catalans at their home stadium, the Nou Camp, last Thursday. Marcus Rashford and a Kounde own goal were not enough for the Red Devils to leave Spain with a win, as Marcus Alonso's header and Raphael Varane's curler ensured that the spoils were shared between the two sides.
Both teams missed some key players when they played last Thursday; Sergio Bosquest and Ousmane Dembele were absent for the La Liga table leaders, and the former is reportedly in contention for a return for the second leg.
Barcelona's midfield duo Pedri and Gavin are set to miss the Catalans' trip to Manchester. Pedri was ruled out with a hamstring injury he picked up when they played Erik Ten Hag's side last Thursday, while Gavi will be serving his match ban due to card accumulations.
For Manchester United, Scott McTominay, Lisandro Martinez, and Marcel Sabitzer will be back in the team for the Thursday clash. The duo of Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer missed the first leg due to suspension, while Scott McTominay made a return from injury. The trio all played a part in Manchester United's 3-0 win on Sunday.
The fixture is promised to be better than the action-packed first leg in Spain as Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United's manager, is fired up ahead of the Catalans' visit to Old Trafford and will certainly benefit from the availability of several key players on Thursday.
The 53-year-old was spotted gesturing towards the Old Trafford crowd and saying something while he was headed towards the player tunnel at full time after Manchester United's victory against Leicester City on Sunday.
The club's media enquired what he was saying while he was leaving the pitch, he responded “I said: 'come Thursday, it is a big game. Make sure you are there and we are sure we can beat Barcelona together'."
“I thank the fans when they have that trust in me. I feel committed with this club and I love to be here. I will give everything to perform as good as possible. To bring them hopefully across limits.”
Manchester United's possible starting eleven
Defense
Record breaking David De Gea will surely be between the sticks for Manchester United, while Raphael Varane will return to the starting lineup alongside Lisandro Martinez.
Wan Bissaka is expected to start at right back while Luke Shaw takes up his traditional left-back role.
Mid field
Erik Ten Hag might repeatedly play Wout Weghorst at number 10 while Casemiro and Marcel Sabitzer line up behind him.
Attack
Bruno Fernandes will continue as a right winger while Jadon Sancho takes the left winger's position. Marcus Rashford will certainly spearhead the attack.
Post a Comment