After ending 2019 on a high with victories over the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City in the month of December, Manchester United were brought crashing back down to Earth with a 2-0 defeat away at rivals Arsenal on New Year’s Day.
It was hardly the best way to start off a new decade, but United have an immediate chance for some respite when they compete in their fourth competition of the season with the FA Cup kicking off on Saturday. The Red Devils face Wolves at Molineux in the third round, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side know full well the perils of such a trip after getting knocked out by them last year.
But whilst making it through would undoubtedly be well-received, Solskjaer already admitted in his pre-match press conference that he would be forced to make changes due to injuries. And with that in mind, below is a look at how United may line up at Wolves.
With it being a cup competition, Sergio Romero has been confirmed to start by Solskjaer, whilst the make-up of the back four in front of him could see major changes too. The likes of Brandon Williams and Ashley Young are all set to come in after giving way for the clash against Arsenal, whilst Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof may keep their places due to injuries to the likes of Eric Bailly, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Axel Tuanzebe and Marcos Rojo.
In midfield, Solskjaer may decide to bring in Juan Mata alongside Nemanja Matic in the deeper role, not only to give Fred a rest, but to also add a sense of control in possession – the Spaniard has a career average of 42 passes per game at an accuracy of 87%. Further forward, the Red Devils could field a number of academy prospects including the likes of Angel Gomes, Mason Greenwood and Tahith Chong.
How much do you remember about football in 2019? Our quiz will test your knowledge…
With trying to achieve Champions League football the focus this season, Solskjaer may deem Saturday afternoon’s game against Wolves as the perfect chance to rest both Martial and Rashford. It’s a gamble he deems completely necessary in the grand scheme of things.
Meanwhile, this former Manchester United star has delivered his verdict on what he wants to see more of from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
