Manchester United return to UEFA Europa League action on Thursday evening as they welcome Bodø/Glimt to the Theatre of Dreams. United started their Ruben Amorim era positively on Sunday with a 1-1 draw away to Ipswich Town in the Premier League but the Portuguese manager will be seeking a won over the Norwegian side.
United’s form in the Europa League this season is not great having played four matches, winning one and drawing three – sitting undefeated in the competition. United sit in 15th place after for matches, which means they are in the play off places – meaning two knockout matches will need to be played if they stay there.
United will need to get a few wins under their belts in the Europa League before the end of 2024 to propel them into the top eight teams in the competition, which means they go straight into the round of 16 stage, rather than play two more matches. Bodø/Glimt sit in 12th place, a point better off over United.
Predicted Manchester United Starting XI – 3-4-2-1
Onana;
Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez;
Amad, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dalot;
Fernandes, Garnacho;
Hojlund
Goalkeeper: Onana
Andre Onana should be keeping his place in goal for United against Bodø/Glimt on Thursday evening at the Theatre of Dreams. The Cameroonian has done well at United, despite a number of goals being conceded by the club since he arrived in the summer of 2023. United’s defensive troubles have not helped him settle in at United.
Onana was the star of the show against Ipswich on Sunday, making some good saves to stop United from conceding again – drawing 1-1 at Portman Road which has been a hard stadium for any team to win in this season. The Cameroonian has the class and the experience to do the business for United and Amorim trusts him.
Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton can challenge the Cameroonian at United, but right now I don’t see much of a challenge. Onana has the class to achieve and the ability to win the battle which sees him as the number one goalkeeper for the club heading into this new Amorim era for the club, which hopefully will work this time.
Defenders: Mazraoui, De Ligt, Evans
United’s defence really looks the part under Amorim. Noussair Mazraoui is the first name on the team sheet because of his workhorse nature, which really is respected but the manager and his coaches. The Moroccan really has brought something to United this season and Bayern Munich has lost a great player to United again.
Matthijs de Ligt should start in the centre of the back three as his calmness and composure, added to his partnership with Mazraoui, after playing with him at Bayern, puts United into a good position in any match. The Dutchman has something to achieve at United, knowing he has won the league at every club he has played for,
Lisandro Martinez has made his return from the injury sustained during the international break and should ideally start for United against the Norwegian side at Old Trafford on Thursday evening. United should work well with this trio in defence and the fact Martinez has played on the exposed left before, should make things easier.
Midfield: Amad, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dalot
United’s midfield has changed since Amorim arrived. His favoured 3-4-3 formation has given United a new edge which could be good for the club this season after such a poor start under Erik ten Hag. Amad Diallo is a must start for United after what he created in the opening goal for United against Ipswich – he really is a star for United.
Casemiro should also keep his place in the midfield as his experience is key for the club. He’s a different player now, of course, which is much better, providing he can stay fit and ready for the remainder of the season. Manuel Ugarte could partner him in the centre of the midfield, as he seeks to establish himself for the new manager.
Diogo Dalot is expected to play in the left wing back position, which would be much better for him and United as Luke Shaw is not quite match fit and I think he might fair better playing as the left central defender whilst this new formation is utilised. Of course, the 3-4-3 system will not work against every team United play.
Attack: Fernandes, Hojlund, Garnacho
United’s attacking line has some good players and as soon as Amorim gets the working to his own system we will start to see just how good this United team can be with the right coaching. United need a victory against the Norwegian champions, who could win their fourth championship in the last five years on Sunday.
Bruno Fernandes was played on the right against Ipswich on Sunday and it is likely he will keep his place. Of course, instead of a regular 3-4-3 formation, this could work in a 3-4-2-1 which would put two attacking players behind the striker, in which case, Alejandro Garnacho could partner Fernandes just behind the striker.
Rasmus Hojlund could lead the line for United which will be the first time he has led the line under Amorim, at least from the start of the match. Hojlund is a great striker and when he’s found his feet in the new system, and is provided some great balls in the opposition area, he could find goals galore and become a great for United.
Substitutes: Bayindir; Malacia, Shaw, Evans; Mount, Eriksen, Mainoo; Rashford, Zirkzee, Antony, Wheatley
United can name up to 12 players on the bench in the Europa League against Bodø/Glimt on Thursday evening. Altay Bayindir will most likely be the substitute goalkeeper once more with Andre Onana trusted to do the job in goal for United, especially after his heroics against Ipswich in the Premier League on Sunday.
In defence, United have some good depth with Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans on the bench – Harry Maguire is not far away from finding his fitness after a recent injury too. In the midfield, Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen and Kobbie Mainoo could all be involved against the Norwegian side at the Theatre of Dreams.
In attack, United have some good depth in the squad with Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, Antony and Ethan Wheatley all likely to be involved on the bench. Of course, Ruben Amorim could also being in some youth players who have not really had exposure, which would be good for them in the long run.
Written by Paul
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