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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could give Donny van de Beek a chance to impress as Manchester United look to avenge their loss to Istanbul Baseksehir in Europe and take control of Group H tonight (start at 8pm). United are tied on six points with RB Leipzig, who travel to France to face Paris Saint-Germain, but suffered a surprising 2-1 loss to opponents tonight in their previous outing earlier this month.
Solskjaer is likely to name a near-full lineup given United are still fighting for a spot in the knockout rounds, but he could make several adjustments, and Van de Beek is possibly one of those to come from the weekend’s win over West. Brom in the Premier. League.
Bruno Fernandes is in good shape with seven goals and five assists in 12 games and has started all but one of United’s 11 Premier League and Champions League games.
While Solskjaer would love to offer the Portuguese a break, doubts about Paul Pogba’s physical condition mean that Fernandes could remain at No. 10 with Van de Beek playing in a deeper position.
With United looking to put Istanbul in the rear at Old Trafford, the two offensive-minded midfielders could start with Dutch summer signing Van de Beek entering the wing in a two-man midfield pair alongside the return of Scott McTominay.
Pogba has not started a game since the league loss to Arsenal earlier this month and missed West Brom’s visit with an ankle injury.
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Solskjaer said: “I hope Paul is available. He trained this morning.
“It’s still awkward and [there’s] some pain so we’ll make a decision on that in the morning [on Tuesday]. “
And that could mean United opting not to risk the Frenchman early on against the Turkish champions, with a cameo from the bench instead, much more likely.
That could see Van de Beek start in central midfield with McTominay, who was only on the bench for West Brom’s loss at Old Trafford on Saturday and replaced Fred with six minutes to go.
Either side of Fernandes, Marcus Rashford should keep his place on the left after having scored four goals in three games in Europe this season.
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The England international disappointed in the reverse match in Turkey, although he was not the only one, and will be eager to show his true quality this time.
On the right, Mason Greenwood could make just a fourth season start without being involved against West Brom, a performance Solskjaer wasn’t satisfied with despite the win.
He said: “We can’t wait to get Mason back, fit again and well, so hopefully we can get into some form like we did towards the end of last season.”
But down the middle, Edinson Cavani could shoot with the Uruguayan veteran yet to make his first start as he seeks full game clarity.
Cavani, 33, scored his first Red Devils goal off the bench at Everton before the intentional break and played nearly half an hour against West Brom.
He could lead the line over Anthony Martial and Cavani is expected to be needed to replace the Frenchman at times during a busy upcoming holiday schedule.
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On defense, Aaron Wan-Bissaka should keep his place on the right side with Axel Tuanzebe to his left in center.
The 23-year-old only played 45 minutes in Istanbul last time, but he impressed at PSG early in the group stage and could start alongside captain Harry Maguire once again.
With Luke Shaw injured, Alex Telles should stay on the wing over Brandon Williams on the left back.
Solskjaer has a decision to make in goal with Dean Henderson and David de Gea vying for participation, but the former could start between the posts.
Before the game, the Norwegian manager said: “I am very happy with the competence Dean has given David.
“Dean has not been wrong. He is developing and maturing, but I am not going to give you the team now or tell you who is playing.”
And with United not playing in the Carabao Cup again until December 23, Henderson could get off to an unusual start over De Gea, the de facto number one in the league.
Prediction Man Utd XI vs Istanbul Basaksehir (4-2-3-1) Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Tuanzebe, Telles; McTominay, Van de Beek; Rashford, Fernandes, Greenwood; Cavani
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