Manchester United players celebrate after a goal. (Getty Images)
Manchester United begin their Europa League campaign with a home encounter against Kazakhstan side FC Astana on Thursday.
While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have endured a mixed start to the Premier League season, they still sit fourth on the table with eight points from five games. The Red Devils narrowly defeated Leicester City at the weekend and Solskjaer will look to achieve some momentum now.
With a relatively thin squad this time around, the Norwegian tactician could use the Europa League by giving the academy stars a chance to impress. In fact, it is the perfect time for some of the Manchester United fringe players to make a lasting impact.
Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba are unlikely to feature on Thursday but they’ll be ready for Sunday’s trip to West Ham. Diogo Dalot is a doubt but Solskjaer could have Jesse Lingard back for the FC Astana test.
Romero has often featured in this competition in the past and the experienced Argentinean could start between the sticks on Thursday.
With Wan-Bissaka expected to be rested and Dalot still out, Young is likely to be deployed at right-back.
Tuanzebe made his first appearance of the season coming off the bench against Leicester on Saturday. He should get his first start of the season against Astana.
Partnering Tuanzebe at the heart of United’s defence could be Jones, whose experience will come handy in such a tricky game.
With Shaw out injured, Solskjaer could hand Rojo his first start of the campaign at left-back.
Matic may not have played much this season but he is likely to start this game and help United get a solid start in the Europa League.
Fred looked lively in his first appearance of the season against Leicester, impressing after coming off the bench. This could be the perfect opportunity for Fred to get some minutes under his belt and impress the manager.
Lingard hasn’t been able to make much of an impact for the Red Devils this season. So, he’ll look to seize the chance on Thursday against FC Astana.
Chong was very impressive in his cameo against Leicester, adding plenty of pace, energy and dynamism to the attack. He is in line to start his first game for Manchester United.
Gomes is a special talent, who could provide some much-needed creativity and spark to United’s attack. He has been knocking on the door for some time now and is likely to start in the no.10 role.
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Needless to say, Greenwood needs a run of games in the number 9 role. No starts have come his way yet, but the first could come on Thursday.