Manchester United are in fine form and will look to take the form in the Premier League to the Europa League as well. The Red Devils face Spanish side Granada next up in the Europa League, and will be favourites to win the tie. The first leg of the quarter-final tie will be crucial for the English club as they will look to have an upper hand when both the sides meet at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have been heavily reliant on the goals of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford in the Europa League and would want others to chip in as well. With the return of Paul Pogba to full fitness, Solskjaer will expect the Frenchman to come in handy for the team. With a couple of crucial games in line for Manchester United, it will be a difficult team selection for Solskjaer.
Let us now have a look at how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might set his Manchester United side up against Granada in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final tie.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is Ole’s most favoured system and it is inevitable that he will use this particular system against Granada in the next game as well. The midfield double pivot has worked very well for the Red Devils and has given the team a good defensive shape and freedom to the forwards. The injury to Martial will be a concern though, as Cavani and Greenwood remain to be the only known centre-forwards after the Frenchman.
Dan James might start the game as he has done very well whenever he has put on the Manchester United shirt lately. With the Tottenham game next up after Granada, Solskjaer has to select his team very cleverly to keep the fitness levels up. The defence pretty much selects itself, with only one exception, where Telles might replace Shaw to give the Englishman a rest.
Dean Henderson is likely to play as the goalkeeper for the Red Devils as De Gea’s move away from Old Trafford rumours surface.
THE 4-4-2 (DIAMOND)
The 4-4-2 (Diamond) system is another option for Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with this system doing well in Europe. The likes of Nemanja Matic might play a part in such a system, but he hasn’t done well this season so far. The veteran has been very slow and hasn’t even been able to pass the ball out from the back, which he has done very well in the past.
Donny Van de Beek needs time on the pitch to establish himself as a Manchester United player, and this might just be his opportunity. The midfielder has been class when he has come off from the bench, but needs more time to settle into the side. Rashford and Greenwood will be instrumental for the Red Devils as they will be the main source of goals for the team.
Manchester United need to win the game in Spain as they have a tough run of fixtures coming up next. Solskajaer and his players will be raring to go and take the game to the opposition.
