Manchester United’s players are currently dotted around Europe for the third and final leg of the international games.
Scott McTominay is expected to play his third game for Scotland tonight, likewise Paul Pogba for France, while Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw could play the second games of this spell for England.
Bruno Fernandes has returned to United after helpfully getting suspended, while Victor Lindelof has also flown back to the UK after playing twice for Sweden.
Some United players have been rested entirely. And this is very likely to influence Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team selection ahead of the game with Brighton on Sunday.
Who has been rested up?
Both goalkeepers Dean Henderson and David de Gea have been on international duty, but so far, neither have played a match, so no clues here.
In defence, Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams have both had a break, although it would be a surprise if either started against Brighton.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was harshly snubbed by England, and that’s to United’s benefit.
Alex Telles has also had a break after the South American qualifiers were postponed. Considering Luke Shaw has played twice, there is a good chance Telles’ rest will put him in line for a start against Brighton.
Nemanja Matic and Fred have both had a rest during the international break.
This would put both in line for a start against Brighton, but, this is hardly United’s ideal midfield, after their poor performance against Leicester.
Edinson Cavani is United’s only fresh forward. Marcus Rashford has had a rest, but this has been enforced by injury and he may not be available for the Brighton game.
Mason Greenwood pulled out of England’s under-21 squad citing an injury, so his status is unclear.
How will this influence selection?
Of these options, Telles, Wan-Bissaka and Cavani look like being surefire starters for United against Brighton.
All three players have been signed under Solskjaer’s management and only Wan-Bissaka has really established himself as a regular. This is a great opportunity for both Cavani and Telles to prove the quality we know they have.
It’s almost certain Fred will start too, although United may look for an alternative to Nemanja Matic to partner him, with one of Paul Pogba or Scott McTominay, dependent on fitness.
Other selection issues are all fitness related, and United have the Europa League to plan for too, with the quarter-final first leg against Granada taking place days later.
United have a duty to manage the squad sensibly, and this is why with a player of Alex Telles’ quality rested and available, Luke Shaw could be saved for the Granada tie and subsequent league game against Tottenham.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Solskjaer go with Shaw, and then Telles against Granada, but much will depend on the condition of the England man when he returns to Carrington. United’s fixture coming late on Sunday provides him with extra rest time.
Probable starters: Telles, Wan-Bissaka, Cavani, Fred
Also in contention: Matic, Tuanzebe, Williams
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