MANCHESTER UNITED host Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday night knowing that anything other than victory will leave them with much work to do in the Champions League.
The Red Devils got off to the dream start in Group H, winning 2-1 in Paris before thrashing RB Leipzig 5-0 at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has some key selection decisions to makeCredit: AP:Associated Press
How Manchester United could line up on Tuesday night
But it swiftly turned into a nightmare when they were embarrassed by Turkish champions Baseksehir last time out in the competition.
Former stars Paul Scholes and Robin van Persie ripped into their old side’s defending on that occasion in Turkey, particularly for 35-year-old Demba Ba’s strike.
And Solskjaer will be desperate to right that wrong in the return game by getting his selection spot on.
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The Norwegian, 47, elected to hand Dean Henderson a rare opportunity out in Istanbul at the start of the month.
But David de Gea is likely to return as the pressure cranks up.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a certainty at right-back, with Solskjaer set to field a back four, rather than five.
Skipper Harry Maguire virtually always plays and tomorrow should be no different – although who partners him is up in the air.
Victor Lindelof is the regular man for the job, although Axel Tuanzebe has shown signs of great promise this season, particularly in Paris – while Eric Bailly might be back in contention following his latest injury lay-off.
Solskjaer has plenty of options at his disposal
Edinson Cavani has only been used from the bench so far at UnitedCredit: Reuters
Luke Shaw is out with a thigh injury, making new recruit Alex Telles favourite to start – although Brandon Williams could potentially be handed a rare game.
Scott McTominay, following his Euro 2020 joy with Scotland, may be restored to the midfield – and he could be partnered by Paul Pogba, who is believed to have recovered from a knock sustained on international duty.
Otherwise, Donny van de Beek may be given a chance to show what he can do, having only been able to provide glimpses during his cameos so far at Old Trafford.
Mason Greenwood should be fit again following his absence due to personal reasons and is in contention to start on the right, while Juan Mata and Dan James are also primed and ready.
Talisman Bruno Fernandes will almost certainly take up his regular No10 role, with Marcus Rashford wide on the left – and Jesse Lingard still missing through injury.
Anthony Martial has been the main man up front for the Red Devils this term, although perhaps Edinson Cavani could be given a first start, having got off the mark with a late goal against Everton before the international break.
Paul Pogba and David de Gea could both startCredit: Reuters
Solskjaer says sometimes the points are more important than the performance as he calls Man Utd’s performance way below par
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
