The Manchester United Lineup That Should Start Against Istanbul Basaksehir
By George Cannon
Manchester United face a trip to Turkey to take on Super Lig champions Istanbul Basaksehir in their third Group H fixture on Wednesday.
The three-time European champions face a side making their first appearance in the Champions League at a time when a convincing victory is needed to restore confidence and faith in the players and manager.
United have made a struggling start to their season and Sunday's limp defeat to Arsenal was another clear display of the troubles the Old Trafford outfit currently face. Their European form though has been the saving grace of the campaign, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be hoping that continues on Wednesday night.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
David de Gea (GK) - The Spain international has made a strong start to the season, unlike a lot of his colleagues, and is so far restricting Dean Henderson to domestic cup displays.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) - Wan-Bissaka has been very impressive in his first two Champions League outings and will be hoping to build on those on Wednesday night.
Axel Tuanzebe (CB) - Eric Bailly is injured again and Victor Lindelof still splits opinion at the heart of defence. Tuanzebe put in a terrific performance against Paris Saint-Germain the last time United were on the road in Europe and the academy graduate could be restored to the starting lineup for this one.
Harry Maguire (CB) - After making a shocking start to the new campaign, club captain Maguire has improved his form of late. He's still nowhere near his best, but the 27-year-old is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Luke Shaw (LB) - Summer signing Alex Telles tested positive for coronavirus and has had to self-isolate recently. It's unknown whether the Brazilian full-back will be available in midweek or not so Shaw is likely to start.
2. Midfielders
Nemanja Matic (DM) - The Serbian has been in and out of the starting XI of late but should be included from the off on Wednesday.
Fred (CM) - Fred has started both of United's Champions League fixtures this season and has put in promising performances. Solskjaer seems to trust him in the bigger games and his tireless displays have endeared him to the fans.
Paul Pogba (CM) - One of many United stars who is currently playing way below his best is Pogba. The France international brought down Hector Bellerin for the all-important penalty in Arsenal's 1-0 victory on Sunday and needs an improved 90 minutes in midweek to get his season back on track.
Donny van de Beek (AM) - If Solskjaer is going to persist with the diamond in midfield, then Van de Beek may start at the tip of it. Fernandes needs the rest and Van de Beek needs the minutes.
3. Forwards
Edinson Cavani (ST) - The PSG all-time leading goalscorer has yet to start for his new club and could be brought in for this one to give Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford a break.
Anthony Martial (ST) - Martial has now served his domestic three-match ban for a red card against Tottenham but should still start against Basaksehir given his lack of action over the weekend.
