Pranav Nair
Maguire, McTominay and Shaw all suspended for Manchester United against Granada at Old Trafford
Manchester United put in a solid yet unspectacular performance to see off Granada in the first leg of the Europa League on Thursday night.
Goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes ensured that the club came away with two priceless away goals ahead of the return leg next week. The match also saw David de Gea return to the starting XI after being dropped just last Sunday.
Fernandes’ goal was the club’s second of the night and came in the 90th minute. Given the card happy nature of the referee, the strike could prove to be pivotal in the tie.
United will return to Old Trafford where they will welcome Granada in a week’s time on the 15th. Unfortunately for us, three key players will be absent on the night.
According to Manchester Evening News, skipper Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay all picked up a yellow on the night. This rules them all out of the return leg to be played next week.
With Eric Bailly also yet to recover from the coronavirus, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have a decision to make for the return leg.
Of the three players, Maguire will be missed the most. Easily our best defender and captain, the Englishman is an automatic choice when fit.
Shaw’s absence can be offset by Alex Telles while McTominay’s energy in midfield will be missed. Thankfully with Paul Pogba back fit, Solskjaer does have alternatives.
It will not be easy to cope without three players who can be considered to be first XI stars. Thankfully with a two goal lead, we do have enough leeway in our favour.
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Solskjaer will also be encouraged by the performance of Victor Lindelof. The Swede was imperious on the night and will need to step up as our senior-most defender available next week. It promises to be an intriguting contest indeed.
