90min

The Manchester United Lineup That Should Start Against Istanbul Basaksehir

By Adam McGroarty

Manchester United suffered a shock defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir last time out in Group H
Manchester United suffered a shock defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir last time out in Group H / DeFodi Images/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Manchester United host Istanbul Basaksehir on matchday four of the Champions League group stage on Tuesday evening.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are currently top of Group H after winning two of their previous three matches. United got off to a flying start when a dramatic late Marcus Rashford strike secured a 2-1 victory away to PSG. The Red Devils then thrashed RB Leipzig 5-0 before suffering a shock 2-1 defeat away to Basaksehir at the start of the month.

Here's the team Solskjaer should start in the return fixture.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Dean Henderson featured in the loss to Basaksehir
Dean Henderson featured in the loss to Basaksehir / RICHARD HEATHCOTE/Getty Images

David De Gea (GK) - The Spaniard has played in two of United's Champions League group games, keeping one clean sheet in the process. Was replaced by Dean Henderson for the loss in Istanbul but should come back in here.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) - Since joining the Red Devils last summer, Wan-Bissaka has made the right-back position his own, and has started all three of United's group games so far this season.

Victor Lindelof (CB) - After taking some time to find his best defence again, Solskjaer has stuck with Lindelof with Harry Maguire in recent times, and it appears to be working. United have won their last two Premier League games with the duo at the heart of the defence.

Harry Maguire (CB) - The United captain didn't play in the group opener away at PSG, but has started in the other two Champions League games.

Alex Telles (LB) - The summer signing started on the left flank as a wing-back in United's 2-1 win against PSG, but is expected to keep his place with Luke Shaw set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

2. Midfielders

Fernandes has been key to United's success in 2020
Fernandes has been key to United's success in 2020 / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Fred (CM) - The Brazilian started alongside Nemanja Matic in a midfield duo against West Brom at the weekend, and is likely to keep his place for the visit of Basaksehir.

Bruno Fernandes (CM) - Despite featuring in all of United's Champions League games this season just behind the forwards, Fernandes could play a slightly deeper role which will see him slot into a midfield trio.

Paul Pogba (CM) - The Frenchman wasn't even in the squad against West Brom at the weekend. For a player lacking confidence, Basaksehir could be the perfect game for Pogba to prove why he should be starting regularly.

3. Forwards

Cavani is yet to make a start for Manchester United
Cavani is yet to make a start for Manchester United / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Juan Mata (RW) - Although this one may raise a few eyebrows, Mata has started in United's last three games in all competitions and seems to be the favoured option on the right ahead of Mason Greenwood right now.

Edinson Cavani (ST) - Despite having not started a game yet for the Red Devils, now could be the perfect time for Cavani to make his mark. Solskjaer will want the game put to bed pretty quickly, and the striker certainly knows where the back of the net is.

Marcus Rashford (LW) - The winger was substituted in United's recent 1-0 win over West Brom at the weekend, so should be ready for some midweek action. Rashford has already netted four times in this season's Champions League,.