Man United have made another terrible start to their season and with just three wins from their first eight games, the Red Devils are currently sitting 13th on the Premier League table.
They suffered a humiliating 0-3 loss to Spurs at the weekend and next up, Manchester United will return to Europe to take on FC Porto in the Europa League. They played their first game of the UEL last week where they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by FC Twente.
Things are about to get a whole lot tougher because Porto are unbeaten in their previous 11 home games while Man United are without a win in their last three outings. After the loss to Tottenham, there has been pressure on the new owners to sack Erik ten Hag but as per a report in The Times, the manager currently has the full backing of the INEOS owners.
However, the new bosses are hoping that the team’s fortunes will turn quickly and United will go back to winning ways in midweek.
Manchester United’s team news and injuries:
Bruno Fernandes picked up a red card on Sunday but that decision has now been overturned by the Football Association which means he is not going to miss the next three domestic matches. Ideally, Fernandes should be rested but because this is a must-win game for Man United, Ten Hag will surely use him in the No. 10 role. Zirkzee has been a regular feature over the previous couple of matchweeks but Ten Hag will most likely rest him at the Estádio Do Dragão.
Amad will also come back into the starting lineup while Rashford is most likely going to be put on the bench. Amad has been really exciting to watch this season and definitely deserves a start. Garnacho was one of the rare good players for Man United on Sunday and the Argentine will surely get the nod ahead of Marcus Rashford.
Kobbie Mainoo picked up an injury and went straight down the tunnel and the youngster is expected to miss out in midweek.
Ten Hag said after the game: “I can’t say in this moment. I have to find out but, of course, when a player is coming off before half-time already, then there are some concerns.”
Mainoo’s absence means Eriksen will probably come into the middle of the pitch to feature alongside Manuel Ugarte. Casemiro is also an option but Man United will lose out on a lot of creativity if Ugarte and Casemiro were both to start.
Mason Mount also picked up a knock on Sunday but he is fine and available to play against Porto. However, since Fernandes will miss the next few domestic games, Ten Hag might preserve Mount for the Premier League matches.
With both Luke Shaw and Malacia out injured, Ten Hag will not be able to rest Diogo Dalot or Mazraoui.
Man United predicted lineup vs Porto:
Predicted Starting Lineup(4-2-3-1): Onana; Martinez, De Ligt; Dalot, Mazraoui; Manuel Ugarte, Eriksen; Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Amad; Hojlund.