This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Having already sealed qualification to the knockout stages of the Europa League thanks to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Partizan Belgrade almost three weeks ago, Manchester United head into Thursday’s clash against FC Astana in relative comfort.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side know that even a defeat against the Kazakhstan side would still leave their hopes of finishing at the top of Group L in their own hands, with second-placed AZ Alkmaar left to play on the final match-day.
With the incredibly long journey, and the circumstances surrounding their position in the group, it has been little surprise to see Solskjaer name an incredibly young squad for the game. The Red Devils’ youth academy is well represented, and the majority of them will no doubt be hoping that they get given a chance to impress. Below is a look at how they might line up.
Having left both David de Gea and Sergio Romero back in Manchester, 36-year-old Lee Grant will make his first start for the club according to Solskjaer, with the goalkeeping position being the one area where the United boss opts for a touch of experience.
In front of Grant, Luke Shaw could make his long-awaited return from injury, whilst the likes of Axel Tuanzebe, Dishon Bernard and Ethan Laird are likely to round out a very young-looking back-line (the latter two Solskjaer has confirmed will start). And the average age doesn’t exactly get any higher with Solskjaer’s likely options further forward either.
In central midfield, James Garner could get a rare start having made cameo appearances for the first-team this season, whilst alongside him, Dylan Levitt – called up to the recent Wales squad – will get the nod as per Solskjaer’s pre-match press conference.
And with Mason Greenwood surely getting a chance up front after his super-sub appearance against Sheffield United last Sunday, Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong and Jesse Lingard could be the players tasked with providing him with service – with the latter perhaps even getting the responsibility of being captain for the night based on his experience.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have been told this potential Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replacement could “get more out of them” by pundit.