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Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Manchester United could line up for Thursday’s Europa League clash with PAOK.
Manchester United could be without up to eight players for Thursday’s Europa League clash with PAOK at Old Trafford.
Summer signing Leny Yoro (foot) is closing in on a return, but remains sidelined along with Kobbie Mainoo (hamstring), Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw (both calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee) and Antony (ankle), the latter of whom was stretchered off in the 1-1 Europa League draw with Fenerbahce a fortnight ago.
Mason Mount (knock) has returned to training this week after recovering from injury, but Thursday’s game will likely come too soon for the midfielder, while Christian Eriksen will be assessed ahead of kickoff having missed the last two games with an unspecified issue.
Bruno Fernandes was suspended for Man United’s last Europa League game against Fenerbahce, but he is available to return against PAOK and the midfielder – who scored a penalty in the 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea on Sunday – is expected to start as captain in Ruud Van Nistelrooy‘s side.
Neither Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee have impressed up front in recent weeks, but they are both in contention to start, and the latter may be given the nod on this occasion after the former played for 84 minutes against Chelsea, while Amad Diallo will be pushing to start on either flank ahead of either Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho.
Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro could both continue in centre-midfield if Eriksen or Mount as not deemed fit to feature, although Victor Lindelof could be considered for a surprise role in the middle of the pitch after coming on as a midfielder in the closing stages of the draw with Chelsea.
Lindelof could also be used at either right-back or left-back if Van Nistelrooy considers resting either Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui. 17-year-old Harry Amass is another in contention to replace Mazraoui at left-back, while Jonny Evans might start at centre-back ahead of either Matthijs de Ligt or Lisandro Martinez.
Manchester United possible starting lineup: Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
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