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8 changes Man Utd should make for Europa League clash vs Astana

  /  autty

The Europa League is here.

And whether that brings feelings of excitement, apathy or dread to Manchester United fans, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be eyeing a strong European campaign to augment his side's Premier League form.

So, despite the temptation to ring lots of changes, Solskjaer must be wary of losing momentum. It was a precious 1-0 win United secured against Leicester on Saturday and although the Norwegian surely won't risk Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial or Jesse Lingard as they return from injury, he should consider keeping several of his first team players in the side.

Here's the team that Solskjaer should play against FC Astana on Thursday night...

GK: Sergio Romero

It's almost nailed-on that Romero will reprise his role as United's Europa League goalkeeper this season, having done a fine job in 2016/17 when the Reds lifted the trophy under Jose Mourinho.

RB: Diogo Dalot

There has been a fair amount of clamour from fans for Dalot to come into the United side, though injury has so far denied the 20-year-old any involvement in the season so far. This may be the perfect chance to include the full-back, who has been working hard on recovering from a hip problem.

CB: Axel Tuanzebe

No debate here. Tuanzebe has waited patiently for his chance, as Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been put together as Solskjaer's first choice pairing.

CB: Marcos Rojo

Like with De Gea and Wan-Bissaka, Solskjaer can afford to rest Maguire and Lindelof because United have alternatives in their position. And although Rojo and Phil Jones have seen their stock fall in recent months, both will be eager for opportunities to impress.

LB: Ashley Young

While United wait on Luke Shaw's injury, Young is their only feasible replacement at left-back and, as club captain and a dependable defender, starting the Europa League matches seems like a no-brainer.

CM: Scott McTominay

It may be a little too soon for Solskjaer to throw in James Garner from the start of a game and since both McTominay and Nemanja Matic started the Leicester game, the Norwegian has to stick with one of his first-teamers. The Scot should just get the nod.

RW: Juan Mata

The third player who started against Leicester, who should continue in the side.

CAM: Angel Gomes

You feel this has to be the time for youth to come into the equation. Marcus Rashford and Daniel James will need to rest and with Mata shifted to the right, Solskjaer should accommodate Gomes.

LW: Tahith Chong

United have a raft of left-wing options, with Chong fairly low down in the pecking order. But with James and Rashford in need of recuperation and Martial unlikely to be risked, this should be a great chance for Chong to start.

CF: Mason Greenwood

Another player who simply has to start — and has been extremely patient. United fans want the 17-year-old to feature in league games, so he'll need a good performance to convince Solskjaer.