United have a tough task in the third Manchester derby of the season so far tomorrow night.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are 3-1 down from the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final heading to the Etihad.
A subsequent injury to Marcus Rashford makes United’s task harder, although Harry Maguire is expected to play after missing the first leg.
It is likely Solskjaer uses the tie to persist with playing three central defenders.
He did so away at Liverpool and against Tranmere it actually helped the attacking side of United’s game.
United also have the personnel to do so, with Eric Bailly returning from injury, and he is available this evening.
Two strikers
United need goals and for this simple reason, Mason Greenwood has to start.
This is a good opportunity for Greenwood and Anthony Martial to start together and both have the versatility to drift wide if required.
On the flanks we would expect Diogo Dalot to get another start at wing-back, and Brandon Williams on the left.
This would mean another rest for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Dan James, who have looked like they need it.
The biggest selection dilemma is in the attacking midfield position. Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata or Andreas Pereira.
On this occasion we would expect Mata’s experience to see him get the nod, coupled with the fact he was rested at the weekend perhaps with this fixture in mind.
Solskjaer told the club website that Nemanja Matic is a doubt after picking up a knock against Tranmere, adding that he ‘hopes’ the Serbian will be available. If he is not passed fit then Andreas Pereira will take his place.
Matic is so important to United’s chances of success here, we predict he will play.
This line up would see four changes from the weekend, with Fred, Eric Bailly, Brandon Williams and Juan Mata coming in to start.
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