Six things we want to see when United take on Watford
Manchester United are back in action at the weekend against Watford. After the low of a Carabao Cup exit, it is time to look ahead to our FA Cup campaign kicking off.
Rotation will be needed ahead of two Premier League games next week away at Burnley and Liverpool.
Here is a look at six things we want to see from Solskjaer’s team selection…
A rest for Fernandes and Rashford
Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are the two attacking players who have been played the most this season. Between them they have scored 29 goals, but it is time for a rest.
Both players looked rusty against City in midweek, possibly with physical and mental fatigue catching up to them.
This weekend both players should get a rest, and that means not even featuring among the substitutes. United have enough quality to win without them.
Axel Tuanzebe in at centre-back
Axel Tuanzebe is United’s fourth choice central defender at the moment and this is his chance to prove he should be more than that.
Tuanzebe’s last game came at right-back. While he did well in this role, he will want the chance to shine in his best position.
It is open for debate who should start alongside him. It shouldn’t matter, so long as Tuanzebe gets his chance.
Mason Greenwood as striker
Mason Greenwood needs to get his 2021 off to a good start and can do so by getting the start against Watford.
He scored an excellent goal against the Hornets in the Premier League home win over them last season and they will be wary of him.
United should play Greenwood as centre-forward rather than sticking him out wide, to get him more involved in key areas.
Donny van de Beek to start
This should be an absolute must. Donny van de Beek has not been given the chances many fans feel he deserves, and has to start this game.
He could play in Fernandes’ role, or in a deeper midfield area, which may depend on whether either Juan Mata or Jesse Lingard start.
For Van de Beek, just getting into the starting line up again will be progress.
Alex Telles to start again
Luke Shaw has won back his place as United’s first choice left-back and this is Alex Telles’ opportunity to respond.
The former Porto left-back is a big asset for United and he had not really done anything wrong which warranted him being dropped.
This is a chance for him to stake his claim and show what he can do at both ends of the pitch. United may need his creative ability.
Pellistri from the bench
This match gives United a chance to bring in deadline day signing Facundo Pellistri after his encouraging performances for the under-23s.
He probably won’t start, Dan James is ahead of him, but he could earn a place on the bench.
Whether it is for five minutes or 35, it would be good to see Pellistri come on and make his debut.
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