MANCHESTER UNITED have endured an horrendous season.
The once world-beaters are languishing 30 points behind fierce rivals Liverpool in the standings and sit outside of the Champions League places.
Solskjaer will have to change his plan of attack with Rashford out for the season
Paul Pogba has essentially given up for the year and will no doubt leave in the summer. It would be a surprise to see him ever play for the club again.
And now, star man, top scorer and rare bright spot in an otherwise murky season – Marcus Rashford – has been ruled out for what could end up being the rest of the season.
The England star, 22, could even miss Euro 2020 with a stress fracture in his lower back – no doubt, from carrying his wildly disappointed Man Utd team-mates all season.
With 14 goals this term, Rashford was unquestionably Solskjaer’s go-to guy this season… and now he’s gone.
The Red Devils chief will need to come up with a new plan of attack in a bid to break back into the top four.
Chelsea are giving United a real chance thanks to their own shoddy form – perfectly summed up in their 2-2 draw at home to ten-man Arsenal on Tuesday night.
But can Solskjaer take advantage? We’ve taken a look at FIVE possible new starting XIs for the under-pressure boss.
THE YOUNG ONE
How Man Utd could line-up with their talented youngsters
SOLSKJAER has been assured his job at Old Trafford is safe, beyond this season and well into the next.
The Norwegian will now be at the helm for at least this month and January’s transfer windows.
But for now, he’ll have to make do with the squad at his disposal.
With his job safe – even if they fail to earn a European spot for next season – Solskjaer could well be tempted to roll the dice and give his talented youngsters a run.
That means Brandon Williams – arguably the best left-back at the club anyway – could be given a long run in the team.
Axel Tuanzebe may also be given a crack in the rotation – along with Victor Lindelof – next to Harry Maguire in defence.
Hannibal Mejbri, 17, arrived at Old Trafford with a hoard of European giants chasing his signature.
Now he me may given a shot in the heart of midfield, alongside Scott McTominay when he recovers from injury.
After all, Fred and Nemanja Matic have hardly been inspirational this season, while Pogba has been ruled out for huge portions of this term through injury.
Hannibal Mejbri could be the creative spark Man Utd need in midfieldCredit: Getty
Largie Ramazani has been scoring goals for fun for the Under-23sCredit: Getty
The former Monaco youth product has scored once and added three assists in just seven Under-18 Premier League ties.
Mejbri has laid on a further three assists in just FOUR matches for the Under-23s in the Premier League 2.
What has Solskjaer got to lose throwing him into the first-team set-up? Absolutely nothing.
He might just find he’s already got that much-needed creator missing for so long at Old Trafford.
Further up the pitch, versatile youngster Largie Ramazani, 18, could be given a crack in Rashford’s left-wing spot.
More than capable of playing on the right or even through the middle, Solskjaer will be thrilled with the Belgian teenager’s NINE goals in just 13 PL2 games – as well as two assists.
Ramazani has some first-team experience already, having played six minutes of the Europa League loss at Astana.
Mason Greenwood and Angel Gomes could also be given starts with Anthony Martial all-but proving he doesn’t have what it takes to lead the United line.
His horror miss in the 2-0 loss at arch-rivals Liverpool summed his entire stint at Old Trafford.
THE EXPERIENCED ONE
How Man Utd could line-up with more of a veteran XI
OF course, Solskjaer is more likely to lean on his veterans than blood a team full of teenagers.
With that in mind, the likes of Luke Shaw and Lindelof could start in defence, with Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard all in the starting XI.
In this team, Martial is the only available senior forward, so gets in by default, if nothing else…
THE ATTACKING ONE
How Man Utd could start in an all guns blazing, attack-first style
ATTACK, attack, attack… fans once urged Man Utd to do just that.
Legend Paul Scholes and even current player Pogba both implored Jose Mourinho to be aggressive during his time at Old Trafford.
Now fans might demand the same of Solskjaer – so an attacking XI could include the likes of Williams, Pereira, Fred and Lingard.
The ultra-aggressive line-up could also see Daniel James, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood all start together. Tasty.
THE DEFENSIVE ONE
How United could line-up if they come over all defensive
PARKING the bus is not something any fan wants to see – but with United’s limited options, it may be a viable option.
After all, Solskjaer’s men are at their most dangerous when absorbing pressure and hitting on the break with speedy duo James and Martial in the team.
The defensive XI would also see a formation change, with three central midfielder – McTominay, Matic and Fred – starting.
Juan Mata would also prove a less gung-ho option on the left wing, with his cool head helping the side out in defence.
THE CLASSIC 4-4-2
How United could line-up in the old school 4-4-2
IF in doubt, stick with what you know, eh, Ole?
Solskjaer was famously United’s super-sub in Sir Alex Ferguson’s world-beating 4-4-2, with the likes of Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole forming a lethal strike pairing.
Fast forward 20 or so years and Solskjaer could be at it again – with Martial and Greenwood possibly afforded the chance to line-up together.
A midfield of McTominay and Fred through the middle, with James and Mata out wide would provide great balance.
Then it’s the usual back-four and goalkeeper… could going back in time be the future for United?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer discusses Marcus Rashford Man Utd injury blow
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
