Why Man Utd's AZ Alkmaar UEL fixture is a key game for Solskjaer

In all honesty if you look at Manchester United's game against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday the first phrase that springs to mind is dead rubber.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition and they only need a point against the Dutch side to qualify as group winners - something that is a priority for the Norwegian.

And while the fixture is not United's most important game of the week there are a few key factors that make it a crucial game for Solskjaer and some of his players.

The wins against Tottenham and City saw United win back to back games for only the third time. Only once this campaign have United won three on the bounce in all competitions and that came at the end of October with victories against Partizan, Norwich and Chelsea (in the League Cup) before defeat to Bournemouth brought that to an end.

Victory against AZ isn't imperative in terms of the club's future in the competition or Solskjaer's longevity at the club but after such a patchy start to the season the team need to build on the past two results, with key games coming up against sides that they should be able to beat in the league.

"Now it's about mindset and mentality to just keep going," Lingard said about the wins against City and Spurs. And that starts on Thursday.

It would be easy to bypass this game and focus on the test awaiting at Old Trafford on Sunday against Everton but the squad, who have only won six times in the league this season, need momentum. And it's also a good opportunity to get players in the rhythm as they look to mount a top four challenge heading into the new year.

Lingard had his best game of the season against City and having put his off the field issues behind him he could become an important part of Solskjaer's well oiled attacking machine in the coming months if he can maintain that form on a game by game basis.

United have struggled against teams who sit back and force them to break them down and an in form Lingard, coupled with the soon return of Paul Pogba, could help to change that. There's an argument to rest the England international and protect him for the Premier League game at the weekend. But, another dominant display would be more beneficial for the 26-year-old.

Then there's the youngsters who are set to benefit from another taste of European action under the lights at Old Trafford. The likes of James Garner, Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood have all shown what they can do already in this competition and another opportunity to showcase their talents awaits on Thursday night.

While the temptation may be to focus primarily on Everton there's plenty to be gained from another dominant performance in the Europa League.