After securing Champions League qualification for next season last time out, Manchester United return to action against LASK tomorrow night.
United are already 5-0 up from the first leg of the Europa League last 16 tie, ahead of the return encounter at Old Trafford.
That means that the match will be little more than a dead rubber but here’s a look at three questions Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be looking at as he watches on…
Can anyone force their way into his plans?
Solskjaer played pretty much the same team for most of the closing matches of the domestic season.
That means that the first 11 looked absolutely exhausted by the time they got over the line against Leicester.
It also means Solskjaer is likely to make major changes for this clash.
There is absolutely no reason for anyone who still needs rest to play, with such a big first leg lead.
That represents an opportunity for the fringe players to push their way into the team for subsequent rounds.
It would be great to win a trophy at the end of Solskjaer’s first season, but there isn’t the searing pressure to lift the Europa League that would have been there if United still needed it as a route into next season’s Champions League.
That means squad players could make themselves key components of the team looking to win the trophy if they perform strongly here.
Can United escape without injuries?
As mentioned, Solskjaer won’t take unnecessary risks.
That said, his options can largely be split into two categories; players who have played too much football lately and players who haven’t played enough.
Both scenarios represent the potential for injuries.
Solskjaer will do what he can to protect his squad but he will be watching closely in the hope that United don’t suffer the same bad luck with injuries Chelsea had in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Romero or De Gea?
The form of David de Gea was the hot topic in the wake of the FA Cup semi final defeat to Frank Lampard’s men.
Romero usually plays in the Europa League and it might be Solskjaer’s plan to keep the faith with the Argentine now.
Any questions about why de Gea isn’t playing can be batted away by reference to Romero’s usual presence in the side for European engagements.
That said, Solskjaer may want to keep playing the Spaniard in the hope he rediscovers some form.
Whichever way he goes – expect Romero to play here – he’ll be watching closely to ensure he’s made the right call.
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