Manchester United return to European action under the Old Trafford lights on Thursday, November 7, facing Greek outfit PAOK in an 8pm kick off. Following an underwhelming showing against Chelsea on Sunday, interim manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy will be looking to go one better in the Europa League clash. Here is your Manchester United predicted lineup.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs PAOK
How Manchester United Have Lined-up Recently
André Onana is Manchester United’s undisputed number one goalkeeper, with Altay Bayindir restricted to the occasional cup encounter.
The Red Devils line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with a back four of Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs De Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot favoured, with the likes of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans available as rotation options.
Read More: ‘Positive Sign’: Man Utd Confirm Long-Awaited Training Return For £115K-P/W Star
In midfield, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have begun to form a partnership in the absence of the injured Kobbie Mainoo, with Christian Eriksen rotating in to provide more composure on the ball and the ability to break lines with his passing.
In attacking midfield, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho occupy the winger spots, with Captain Bruno Fernandes a near permanent fixture in the number 10 position. Amad Diallo is a rotation option.
Rasmus Hojlund has wrestled back the number 9 spot from Joshua Zirkzee.
Manchester United Recent Form and Tactics
Following an appalling start to the season in which the Red Devils made their worst ever start to a Premier League campaign, former manager Erik ten Hag was relieved of his duties after a 2-1 defeat against West Ham. Since then, legendary United striker Van Nistelrooy has filled in on an interim basis as the club awaits the arrival of Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim in the forthcoming international break. Since the Dutchman took temporary charge, the Red Devils are unbeaten, with a thumping 5-2 win over Leicester City and a battling, if uninspiring draw with in-form Chelsea to his name thus far.
Read More: Opinion: Sacking Erik ten Hag Will Set Manchester United Back
Against Chelsea, the team opted to play a more direct style of football, getting the ball quickly up to Hojlund and the other attacking players and attempting to hit Chelsea with fast counter attacks. This is opposed to the more patient build-up play brought in by Ten Hag at the beginning of this season in which United struggled heavily, especially since the injury to Kobbie Mainoo has left the midfield area sorely lacking in creativity.
Manchester United Injuries to Consider
Brazilian winger Antony (Ankle) is ruled out for an indefinite period, whilst Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia (Knee) are unlikely to be ready in time for Thursday’s game. Luke Shaw (Calf), Christian Eriksen (Unknown) and Harry Maguire (Calf) are also all definitely ruled out of the clash. Lény Yoro (Ankle) is back in training with a view to returning later in the month, with Kobbie Mainoo (Thigh) also expected back by the end of November.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
GK: André Onana
RB: Noussair Mazraoui
CB: Matthijs De Ligt
CB: Lisandro Martinez
LB: Diogo Dalot
CM: Casemiro
CM: Manuel Ugarte
RW: Alejandro Garnacho
CAM: Bruno Fernandes
LW: Marcus Rashford
ST: Rasmus Hojlund
