Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that three senior Manchester United players will represent the club’s Under 23 side tonight.
United host Everton at Leigh Sports Village and Solskjaer told the club’s official website some early team news.
Marcos Rojo, Brandon Williams and summer signing Facundo Pellistri will all feature for Neil Wood’s side.
“It is a different bubble so, with the current regulations, they can’t go on the same coach, they can’t be in the same dressing room, with all the testing and things,”
explained Solskjaer.
“That’s complicated things a little bit. Facundo will play tonight to get his first taste of English football, Marcos Rojo will play because he needs to build up his fitness and Brandon’s going to play.
“He needs minutes as well. He’s a played a little bit this season and for the Under-21s for England and for us, but just needs to keep that match fitness then we know they’re ready for next week.
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Rojo’s first red appearance of 2020
Rojo has not been named in Champions League squad but is in Solskjaer’s Premier League party.
That opens the door to a reprieve for the Argentine, whose United future looked bleak during the summer.
He has not represented United at any level during 2020, and perhaps tonight’s game can be the start of a return to contention.
Rojo cost United £16 million in 2014 and earns £160,000 per week, so it makes sense for Solskjaer to try and get a tune out of the Argentine while he’s still around.
Fresh challenge for Williams
Alex Telles’ strong debut in Paris on Tuesday got United fans excited, but wasn’t especially good for Williams.
He now has Luke Shaw and Telles blocking his path to the first team at left back, and the Under 23 run-out will give him much-needed minutes, as Solskjaer said.
His best route into the first team may now be at right back, as deputy to Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Williams played there on occasion last season, and it would allow him to bomb forward more comfortably, using his stronger right foot.
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see where he is deployed tonight.
Welcome to English football
It’s not hugely surprising to see Pellistri getting his first taste of English football at Under 23 level.
He has undergone a big change with his deadline day move and it makes sense to ease him in tonight.
Pellistri was on the nine-man bench in Paris, but his involvement here suggests he won’t be in the squad against Chelsea.
Perhaps his spot among the subs will be taken up by a fellow Uruguayan, in the shape of Edinson Cavani.
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