Man United kick off their Europa League campaign this week when they welcome Kazakh side FC Astana to the Old Trafford.
United have been pitched in a relatively easy group which means that qualifying to the next round should not be a major cause of concern for Solskjaer but there’s no denying that the Red Devils will have to grind it out in some rather unpleasant away matches.
And this is why the Norwegian manager would want to focus on winning the home matches in order to avoid any sort of major impediments.
Man United have won just two out of their previous five matches but that shouldn’t stop Solskjaer from making some major changes to his first XI on Thursday.
Man United team news vs Astana:
David De Gea has just signed a new contract at the club earlier this week but he will be replaced by back-up keeper Sergio Romero in front of goal.
Victor Lindelof could be rested vs Astana and if that happens then Axel Tuanzebe will partner Harry Maguire in central defence.
Diogo Dalot is close to making a comeback and if the right-back is fit enough to play then summer signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka should be rested on Thursday.
But we believe that even if Dalot cannot make himself available then also Bissaka will be dropped to the bench with Ashley Young taking his place and Marcos Rojo filling in at left-back.
Scott McTominay has been one of Man United’s standout performers so far but the youngster will most certainly be rested as Nemanja Matic gets to play in that holding role in midfield.
Fred came off the bench vs Leicester City this past weekend but the Brazilian should be in line to start the Man United vs Astana game on Thursday.
Paul Pogba should have recovered from the ankle injury by the time Astana come to town but we don’t believe the manager will risk using him especially with a key game against West Ham coming up next weekend.
Daniel James and Juan Mata should keep their place in the first XI but some reports claim Mata could be replaced by Tahith Chong on the right-wing.
Anthony Martial is currently sidelined with an injury meaning Marcus Rashford will not be unnecessarily risked in the Man United vs Astana fixture on Thursday.
Mason Greenwood had been in fine form during the pre-season matches for United and the academy graduate should get his first start of the 2019-20 season.
