Manchester United are looking for both revenge and relief against Villarreal tonight.
A victory of any kind will do. United lost the opening match of the Champions League group stage and so three points in this match is essential.
The pressure is on United after two consecutive losses in all competitions leading into this game. Both defeats have come at home and United have failed to score in each.
So there will be changes to the line-up tonight from the weekend’s game, just probably not where United fans would prefer to see them.
Defensive issues
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is suspended for this fixture, serving a one-match ban after his red card against Young Boys.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told his press conference that Harry Maguire will miss the game through injury, just like he did last time against Villarreal.
Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof will start at centre-back, with Eric Bailly on the bench.
Solskjaer said Luke Shaw has a chance to be involved but he did not train on Tuesday. It’s probable that he does not start, and Alex Telles comes in.
Solskjaer also launched a defence of the Fred and Scott McTominay midfield partnership, and it is likely they line up again for this fixture, with Nemanja Matic and Donny van de Beek on the bench.
Who starts in attack?
Fred and McTominay in midfield means Paul Pogba is likely to start on the left wing. It’s worth remembering he featured in a deeper role in the Europa League final, and this role gives him a chance to make a greater attacking impact.
He can take the pressure off Bruno Fernandes, who was too isolated in the attack in Gdansk. Fernandes will be determined to bounce back from his penalty miss at the weekend.
On the right the big decision is whether to start Mason Greenwood or summer signing Jadon Sancho.
Greenwood lacked a finishing touch at the weekend and could not find his way past Villarreal in May. Sancho gives United a more unknown approach for the La Liga side to try and figure out.
Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line, taking on the side he has scored 13 career goals against to date.
Edinson Cavani, Mason Greenwood and Jesse Lingard would be among the players United could call on from the bench, with five substitutions permitted.
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