Predicted Manchester United line-up v Sheriff Tiraspol

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Manchester United are in Moldova preparing for tonight’s Europa League fixture with Sheriff Tiraspol.

The home side won their first game of the group 3-0 against Omonia, while United lost 1-0 at home to Real Sociedad.

United will be taking this match seriously after the opening match defeat. Erik ten Hag told his pre-match press conference: “It’s clear, when you lose the first game you have to win the second, so we know what our task is.”

The big team news is Marcus Rashford missing the game with injury, joining Anthony Martial in failing to make the trip.

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Predicted Manchester United line-up v Sheriff Tiraspol

Manchester United’s Premier League fixture against Leeds has been postponed this weekend, meaning there is no requirement to rest or rotate players, who have had a week’s rest ahead of this game, some even more.

David de Gea will start in goal, this is not up for debate, with loanee Martin Dubravka not among the travelling squad.

United are also expected to go with Erik ten Hag’s preferred back four, which started the last four Premier League games.

This will see Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia at full-back, and Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane at centre-back.

England duo Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw will have to settle for a spot on the bench.

Ten Hag is also expected to stick with the midfield which has recently served him well recently, a trio of Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.

Casemiro is the most likely alternative if Ten Hag does change it up, but McTominay will be fresher after missing the game with Real Sociedad. The Brazilian played against Sheriff twice last season and he will have a role to play in the second half.

United’s forward options are more limited due to injuries. Ten Hag was reluctant to declare whether he would be starting Cristiano Ronaldo, telling his press conference, “wait until tomorrow” to find out.

We do expect Ronaldo to start this game, getting a call due to Marcus Rashford’s injury. He would otherwise have been on the bench.

United’s number 7 is looking for his first goals of the season, and will start in a front three with Jadon Sancho and Antony.

If Ten Hag does not go with Ronaldo, then expect to see Anthony Elanga in the front three instead. Alternative attacking options are youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Charlie McNeill.