Predicted Manchester United line-up to face Young Boys in the UCL
Jose Mourinho’s men seek respite from an underwhelming start to the Premier League season by kicking off their Champions League campaign in style against Young Boys on Wednesday.
Manchester United will look to make a strong start to their UCL campaign ahead of difficult trips to Valencia and Juventus.
A 2-1 win away at Watford on Saturday was the perfect tonic Mourinho’s men needed ahead of the feisty clash against Young Boys at the Stade de Suisse.
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Mourinho will welcome back Luke Shaw as he missed United’s trip to Watford after suffering a concussion in England’s defeat to Spain at Wembley.
Defender Phil Jones is still unavailable and Ander Herrera is doubtful with an ankle injury. Marcos Rojo hobbled off while playing for United U23 on Friday but summer signing Diogo Dalot came through a full 90 minutes unscathed against Reading U23.
Probable Manchester United XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Jose Mourinho
David De Gea (GK)
Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, David De Gea is one of the first names on United’s team sheet. A sure starter.
Antonio Valencia (RB)
Valencia is one of the trusted members in the team and is a certain starter for United’s Champions League opener.
Chris Smalling (CB)
Smalling has been brilliant for United and Mourinho will hope his senior-most centre-back delivers the goods on Wednesday.
Victor Lindelof (CB)
Partnering Smalling at the heart of United’s defence should be Lindelof, who, after a mediocre start to the campaign, has settled down well.
Luke Shaw (LB)
It was a shame for Luke Shaw to miss United’s win at Watford as he is in top form at the moment. Having fully recovered from the concussion he suffered while on national duty, Shaw will be raring to make a mark in the Champions League.
Marouane Fellaini (CDM)
United’s best performer in recent weeks, Fellaini has been deployed in a deeper role by Mourinho and the big Belgian has excelled. He is a sure starter against Young Boys on Wednesday.
Nemanja Matic (LCM)
Matic brings a calming influence in the midfield, keeps the team ticking and gives United the strength in set-pieces.
Paul Pogba (RCM)
Pogba has blown hot and cold so far, however, he needs to be at his imperious best if the Red Devils are to travel back home with a win.
Alexis Sanchez (LW)
Things haven’t been straightforward for Sanchez since joining United in January. The Chilean is still far from his best as he continues to struggle. He is a pure difference maker and Mourinho will hope to see the forward put in a strong display on Wednesday.
Jesse Lingard (RW)
Always a willing runner with and without the ball, Lingard’s pace and movement will be vital for United against the Swiss champions.
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Romelu Lukaku (ST)
Lukaku is in red-hot form at the moment and he remains United’s biggest goal threat on Wednesday.