da poker： It may not be nearly as illustrious as the Champions League, but Manchester United have some business to attend to on Thursday night.
da fezbet： Jose Mourinho is clearly more focused on the Premier League this season but a shock defeat to Europa League opponents Zorya Luhansk could have a hugely detrimental impact on squad morale going into the weekend’s fixtures.
Zorya finished fourth in the Ukrainian Premier League last season but are in second place this year, behind only Shakhtar Donetsk, after winning six and drawing two of their first nine games.
Therefore, it’s imperative Mourinho chooses a starting XI that gives some of his fringe players the chance to pick up game-time but also guards against a debasing upset at Old Trafford.
With that in mind, Football FanCast have selected the starting line-up Mourinho should pick to claim all thee points against Zorya – with six changes from the team that thumped Leicester City 4-1 last weekend.
GOALKEEPER
Argentina international Sergio Romero is about as solid as it gets when it comes to understudy goalkeepers but his participation this season has been limited to just one outing in the League Cup.
Jose Mourinho needs to afford his second-choice as much game-time as possible to keep him happy, or the United gaffer could find the 29-year-old pushing for a move away in the new year. Should all go to plan against Zorya, Romero won’t have too much to do anyway.
DEFENCE
They say consistency is key at the back but we’re making two changes in personnel from the defence that featured in the 4-1 win over Leicester City, with fresh legs coming in on both flanks and utility man Daley Blind moving inside.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah was borderline phenomenal last season after being brought into the side by Louis van Gaal but he’s made just one appearance under Jose Mourinho thus far. We’d love to see the Dutch prospect get some game-time, especially against rather modest opposition.
Likewise, although Matteo Darmian clearly isn’t a huge part of Jose Mourinho’s plans, his versatility could pay dividends here. With Luke Shaw out injured and summer signing Eric Bailly in need of a rest, the Italian can fill in at No.3 – allowing Blind to link up with Chris Smalling, his partner from last season, once again.
DEEP LYING MIDFIELD
Michael Carrick may be 35 years of age but he’s still an absolute maestro whose vast experience could well be the difference against Zorya, especially if United don’t go on to dominate in the manner expected and the crowd begin to turn.
Likewise, should the Red Devils see plenty of the ball – which seems more than likely – Carrick has the quality to unlock the Zorya defence from deep positions whilst protecting his own backline.
In terms of partners, we see Ander Herrera as the ideal candidate. He’s got the mobility to make up for Carrick’s ageing legs and as a slightly more advanced playmaker, can push further forward to really pile the pressure on the Ukrainian visitors.
ATTACKING MIDFIELD
It’s been a tough few weeks for Wayne Rooney and a back issue may unfortunately rule him out of Thursday’s game. That would be a massive shame because the out-of-form United skipper needs a chance to get back to his best and Zoyra could be the ideal team to face in that regard.
In a similar vein, Anthony Martial is due a run-out after a short stint on the sidelines. The Frenchman remains one of the most exciting young attackers in world football but he’s not quite transitioned to life under Jose Mourinho just yet. Some more time on the pitch could do the Frenchman a world of good – especially if he pops up with a goal.
With Marcus Rashford, meanwhile, it’s a slightly different story. The 18-year-old simply can’t stop scoring at the moment so having him on the pitch, even in a somewhat unfamiliar position, could be what guarantees the Red Devils all three points.
STRIKER
Jose Mourinho has already told reporters that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will start up front on Thursday night, so we’re not going to try and second guess the Manchester United manager – although we wouldn’t be too surprised if he had a last-minute change of heart.
The iconic Swede has enjoyed a strong start to his Red Devils career, netting five goals in nine appearances across all competitions and partaking in some exemplary link-up play. But without a goal since the start of September, Zorya represents a chance for Zlatan to rediscover his scoring touch.