90min

The Man Utd Lineup That Should Start Against Sheffield Utd on Thursday Night

By Jamie Spencer

Man Utd have an opportunity to make a statement this week
Man Utd have an opportunity to make a statement this week / PHIL NOBLE/Getty Images
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Manchester United are looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League after a 0-0 draw with Manchester City last time out, and they should be confident of victory facing a Sheffield United side that has lost 14 of the last 15 league games stretching back to last season.

Victory at Bramall Lane, where United drew 3-3 in very different circumstances last season, would guarantee leapfrogging Chelsea in the Premier League. Depending on other results on Wednesday and Thursday, they could finish the midweek programme as high as fourth with a game in hand.

But, despite good league results on paper of late, United fans are still desperately awaiting a polished performance from a group of players that has vast potential to do well but still continues to look incredibly disjointed and lacklustre.

This is the starting lineup Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could pick for the game in Sheffield.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

A start for Henderson wouldn't be a huge surprise
A start for Henderson wouldn't be a huge surprise / Naomi Baker/Getty Images

Dean Henderson (GK): It would be a big call, but this is a good chance for game time against the club where he spent two years on loan developing into an England international.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB): Easily the best defensive right-back in the Premier League, although he will need to show more going forward to be effective in this one.

Harry Maguire (CB): The only United player who has been an ever-present in the Premier League this season. Coming up against his boyhood club.

Victor Lindelof (CB): You get the impression his days as a starter are increasingly numbered, but strong performances in potential banana skins like this will strengthen his case.

Alex Telles (LB): Luke Shaw has impressed since returning from injury, yet Solskjaer will be keen not to ask too much and rotation will be key.

2. Midfielders

Pogba could start to provide more midfield creativity
Pogba could start to provide more midfield creativity / Pool/Getty Images

Scott McTominay (CM): Set for his 100th appearance and will offer a strong presence in midfield as United are expected to have most of the ball at Bramall Lane.

Paul Pogba (CM): Has insisted he remains committed to the club amid his uncertain future and Fred could be sacrificed because the onus will be on United to create chances.

Bruno Fernandes (AM): 11 goals and six assists in all competitions this season tells its own story - the Portuguese is undroppable.

3. Forwards

Martial is expected to return to the XI
Martial is expected to return to the XI / Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

Mason Greenwood (RW): Scored the first Premier League goal of his career against Sheffield United just over a year ago and could use that for inspiration in a relatively dry campaign so far.

Anthony Martial (ST): Appeared as a substitute against City last time out after a recent knock and is expected to return to the starting XI.

Marcus Rashford (LW): Likely to return to his favoured role on the left flank after his last two Premier League starts came through the middle as a ‘number nine’.

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