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Manchester United face an all-or-nothing clash with RB Leipzig on Tuesday night, and they need a result to advance to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Their home loss to PSG last week left them in a precarious position, although a draw in Germany would be enough to condemn Leipzig to the Europa League and secure their place in the round of 16.
United come to the clash after a 3-1 comeback against West Ham over the weekend, which has taken them to fifth place in the Premier League.
So after a difficult start to the season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has stabilized the boat, but faces some big decisions before the Leipzig game.
From Gea or Henderson?
(Image: PA)
It’s a good problem, but Solskjaer faces the real problem of having two first-choice goalkeepers at the moment.
Dean Henderson has filled in well while David de Gea has been out recently, but the Spaniard is the more experienced of the pair.
De Gea was “rested” against West Ham, and surely his age will mean his name is in the starting eleven on Tuesday.
Tactical adjustments
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Leaving home in the Champions League is never easy, as evidenced by the loss to Istanbul Basaksehir earlier in the campaign.
United were introduced by PSG last week in their usual 4-2-3-1 system, and the Red Devils defeated Leipzig 5-0 in a tight 4-4-2 diamond formation in October.
A draw will be enough to carry them through, which means the more defensive option might be more favorable, but will Solskjaer expect lightning to strike twice by attacking more?
Midfield Enigma
(Image: Getty Images)
United have so many brilliant options in midfield – the key is to make them click.
Fred is suspended, of course. Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic are Solskjaer’s preferred pairing due to their defensive strength.
But that leaves no room for Paul Pogba, who impressed against West Ham, or Donny van de Beek, who is desperate for a chance to impress.
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Thinking about the weekend
(Image: POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
Tuesday night’s game is probably United’s biggest so far this season, but the clash ahead on Saturday is a very close second.
That’s the Manchester Derby, of course; Both teams sit just outside the top four after victories over the weekend, knowing that a result would put them back on track for a title challenge.
So the issue is how enthusiastic United can go knowing they host City on Saturday. It will surely be playing in Solskjaer’s mind.
Who to play up front
With Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani injured after their retirements against West Ham, Solskjaer will scratch his head over who to play up front.
Without those two, the most sensible option is probably to play Marcus Rashford as a forward, although he is now shooting down the left wing.
Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood’s ending drew a lot of praise against the Hammers, making it another possible option.
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