Sidney Sladen
Manchester United Predicted Line-up vs Rostov
Manchester United face Rostov in the 1st leg of the round of 16 Europa League tie. The Red Devils travel to Russia and are set to face the Russian outfit for the first time ever. Although United have a brilliant record against Russian clubs in the past, they’ll have to be on their toes to come out of this game with a win.
The early team news for Manchester United is that Eric Bailly is unavailable after he picked up a red card in United’s previous European game against St-Etienne. The Ivorian was booked twice in the space of three minutes for challenges on Romain Hamouma. Bastian Schweinsteiger missed out on the game against AFC Bournemouth and has not been named in the squad.
Algerian winger Henrikh Mkhitaryan is a doubt as well after he missed out on United’s EFL cup win over Southampton and also their following league game against AFC Bournemouth.
With Jose Mourinho expressing his concern about the quality of the pitch on which the game is set to take place, there are less chances of him risking his returning superstars.
Jose said in the pre-match press conference: “It’s still hard for me to believe we are going to play tomorrow. I know we have to but it’s hard for me to believe we are going to play on that field, if you can call it a field.”
When asked about the possible team selection for the game, he said: “I don’t know which team to play, really. I don’t know which team I will play, I don’t know if Mkhitaryan if going to play. I have a lot to think because I was expecting something more playable.
“I didn’t have any contact with anyone until now; I just had a quick contact with one gentleman from UEFA when I was looking at the pitch. And when I told him about my concerns, the gentleman told me the plays are insured so if something happens, no problem.”
So here’s the possible line-up for Manchester United against Rostov
Predicted Manchester United XI
Sergio Romero (GK):
Sergio Romero would start ahead of De Gea for this game as it has been the case this season so far in Europa League.
Ashley Young (RB):
Ashley Young excelled as a right-back when he played in that position last time out. Expect Mourinho to stick to him and rest Antonio Valencia.
Chris Smalling (CB):
The Englishman has been in decent form this season and Mou has rotated his squad well. Smalling to start.
Marcos Rojo (CB):
Rojo has been sensational for Manchester United and has sparkled playing as a centre-half and also as a left-back.
Matteo Darmian (LB):
Darmian might get to play this one as it was Shaw who was offered a chance against Bournemouth.
Paul Pogba (CM):
Given the weight that the game carries, expect no gambles from the Manchester United manager. Pogba is a sure starter.
Ander Herrera (CM):
Herrera has been lethal in midfield for United and it is virtually impossible for Mourinho to drop him for this game.
Wayne Rooney (CAM):
The Manchester United captain has seen his role being limited to the bench this season and this might be a game where Mou may decide to start him.
Jesse Lingard (RW):
Lingard might start on the right as Mkhitaryan is a doubt for this fixture.
Marcus Rashford (LW):
Rashford has seen less of the pitch after Martial’s brilliant rise to form. It is possible that the Frenchman may get a breather for this one.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ST):
Jose Mourinho confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be involved in this game and who else other than the giant Swede to take the pitch as the team’s striker?
