Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made four changes to the Manchester United starting lineup that began the boring goalless draw against City ahead of tonight’s Premier League tie against Sheffield United.
There’s two changes to the backline with Dean Henderson replacing David de Gea between the sticks and Alex Telles returning to the starting eleven at left-back in place of Luke Shaw.
Solskjaer has tinkered in central midfield, Scott McTominay and Fred are out in a move that could lead to Paul Pogba in a deeper role, with the superstar partnered by defensive-minded Nemanja Matic.
United’s attacking lineup sees Anthony Martial join Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood in the front four.
Solskjaer’s decision to prop up the attacking isn’t surprising at all given that United are facing the Blades – who sit rock-bottom of the Premier League table with just one point from 12 games so far.
Take a look at the Red Devils’ lineup below:
? Another big away day awaits… here’s your United XI ?
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 17, 2020
Here’s how some of the United faithful have reacted to Solskjaer’s teamsheet:
Henderson, Pogba, Telles, Bruno, Rashford, Martial & Greenwood all in the same starting lineup? On my mother’s life I’m in heaven right now oh my god
— ?EIIis. (@UtdEIIis) December 17, 2020
Very attacking. Hope we reap what we sow
— JBAIDEN10 (@jbaiden10) December 17, 2020
I am very satisfied with this lineup. Anything short of a convincing win wouldn’t be accepted by DoF, Wilson. Go boys ??
— Uncle Wilsøn™ (@iam_wilsons) December 17, 2020
What. A. Line. Up.
— Ryan. ? (@Vintage_Utd) December 17, 2020
I’m glad he’s resting Shaw
— ? (@LukeShawArmy) December 17, 2020
WHAT A TEAM OH MY GOD
— Swanny??? (@ftbIswanny) December 17, 2020
So Pogba, Martial, Matic and 8 pieces of wood
— Elite Martial?? (@MysticalMartial) December 17, 2020
Awesome team on paper, perfect in fact – Let’s just hope it works from a defensive perspective!
— Alex (@AA_utd) December 17, 2020
The Red Devils have ground out victories for the large part in the top-flight recently, Chris Wilder’s men are simply a side that United should be breezing past if they’re hoping to kick on this season.
It’s a special moment for Henderson, as he faces off against the side who he was on loan with for two seasons and presented the stopper with the first-team opportunities to propel to stardom.
The decision to start Henderson may well offer the Red Devils an on-pitch influencer with knowledge of Sheffield United’s secrets, as well as taking De Gea out of the firing line.
Henderson isn’t yet ready to talk De Gea out of the firing line
That’s superb! We win tonight.
Wow I think united are more confident playing away from home