A wave of a panic was sent across the Manchester United fanbase on Friday evening after it came to light that up to seven first-team players are set to miss Saturday's Premier League clash with Leicester City. In essence, the little business done in the recently closed summer transfer window was always going to come back to haunt the Red Devils who have adopted a new transfer strategy.
The subject of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer preferring home grown talents while retaining faith in the youth coming through the club's academy is certainly one for debate some other but ahead of the daunting task with the Foxes, the Norwegian manager will hope that his choices will pay off, at least for now. Coming into the clash against Brendan Rodgers' men, United will be aiming at getting its first win since the opening weekend's triumph over Chelsea.
Nevertheless, the 20-time league champions would have to take their chances without Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw, and Jesse Lingard who have all made a bow this season. Defenders Diogo Dalot and Eric Bailly remain long-term absentees whereas summer signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka remains a doubt for the meeting despite being named in the 19-man squad.
In wake of this, defensive pair Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have been included in the squad with Brazilian midfielder Fred also featuring. Academy stars Chong, Greenwood and Gomes were also named in the list. For the starting lineup, David De Gea should retain his spot in goal and should be shielded by center back pair Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. Ashley Young and Marcos Rojo could replace the injured Wan-Bissaka and Luke respectively.
In midfield, Nemanja Matic could replace Paul Pogba alongside Scott McTominay with Juan Mata coming in for Jesse Lingard. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could take a gamble on Mason Greenwood by sticking him upfront in order to retain Marcus Rashford on the left flank. The current Premier League top scorer of the Reds Daniel James should maintain his place on the right wing.
Potential Manchester United starting XI: De Gea, Rojo, Lindelof, Maguire, Young, Matic, McTominay, Mata, James, Rashford, Greenwood.
