Manchester United will be aiming to return to winning ways in today’s Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen on the road.
The Red Devils suffered a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last weekend where they were plenty of defensive errors.
Manager Ruben Amorim will want an improved showing as the club push for a top-eight finish in the league phase of the Europa League.
Ahead of the game, the Portuguese has confirmed that Tyrell Malacia will be in the starting XI to face Plzen at the Doosan Arena in Czechia.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Andre Onana had a dismal outing against Forest. He misjudged the flight of the ball for Morgan Gibbs-White’s goal and should have done better to intercept Chris Wood’s header.
Despite this, we anticipate Onana to continue in the starting line-up. Amorim praised the Cameroonian for his recent form after the defeat and we expect him to stay in goal.
However, there could be a change in the backline. Noussair Mazraoui is poised to return after coming on as a substitute last weekend. The Moroccan was given a much-needed breather.
He should partner Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro in central defence. Lisandro Martinez could drop to the bench. The Argentine was easily beaten in the air for Forest’s open goal and should have cleared his lines for the third.
Amad Diallo should be a nailed-on starter from right wing-back. Diogo Dalot has struggled from the left wing-back role in recent games and he is expected to make way for Malacia’s third start of the campaign.
In midfield, we anticipate Kobbie Mainoo to be partnered by Casemiro. Amorim talked about resting Manuel Ugarte against Forest last weekend, but ended up playing him for 73 minutes.
The Uruguayan delivered another top performance, but he looked jaded towards the end. We won’t be surprised if the former Paris Saint-Germain starts from the bench this evening.
Bruno Fernandes is most comfortable in an attacking midfield role, but he could have a new partner. We predict Mason Mount to play alongside him with Marcus Rashford up front.
Amorim has regularly rotated his striking options since his arrival. Rashford could get another opportunity to prove his credentials ahead of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
How Man Utd could line up vs Viktoria Plzen