Manchester United’s final Europa League group game of the season is upon us, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needing to avoid defeat to ensure they top Group L – meaning an easier tie in the last 32 in 2020.
The last assignment? AZ Alkmaar at Old Trafford. The Dutch side have been pretty good themselves, taking a couple of points off Solskjaer’s Red Devils in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign. Expect another close encounter here.
United’s gaffer now has a decision to make. Does he play a strong side and risk having tired players against Everton on Sunday? Or does Solskjaer trust in youth and give the next generation a chance. I personally suspect he’ll do a little bit of both and our predicted Man United XI vs AZ Alkmaar definitely has a youthful feel:
In goal, Sergio Romero will start. Our Argentine has always been reliable in these situations, so why should we expect that to change?
Brandon Williams comes into the side at left-back. After missing the last couple of fixtures he’ll definitely have a point to prove. Opposite him is Aaron Wan-Bissaka who’ll be feeling confident after shutting Raheem Sterling down. Axel Tuanzebe makes another start as his comeback from injury continues. Phil Jones will also be involved.
The midfield tandem of Dylan Levitt and James Garner got everyone talking against FC Astana, so why not give at least one of them another go here? I reckon Garner will be involved. Nemanja Matic is fit and back from injury so he’ll start.
Juan Mata will bring some experience to the table, with academy graduates Mason Greenwood and Jesse Lingard either side of him. Anthony Martial needs a full 90 minutes under his belt as he missed the Spurs game due to a muscle problem – though he did return and play 70 minutes against Manchester City at the weekend.
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