Manchester United are a whisker away from completing the Europa League group stage, but they cannot afford to believe they have done so.
On Thursday, United return to European action after a week off when they host FC Sheriff at Old Trafford. A point over Tiraspol will be enough to secure their place in the knockout stages in the coming year. However, if they make a mistake, the consequences could be severe. With bottom club Omonia Nicosia, whom they have already beaten, still, to play, a loss would bring Sheriff within three points of Erik ten Hag’s side. The pressure would then be on United to beat Real Sociedad, who defeated them in the first match, in order to advance.
That’s the kind of high-stress scenario United should do everything in their power to avoid, so it shouldn’t take Sheriff lightly. Ten Hag has fielded very strong teams throughout the season, and that is unlikely to change on Thursday as he seeks to avoid any potential embarrassment. But that doesn’t rule out the possibility of experimenting and giving some of the club’s promising youngsters a chance. United were completely dominant and controlled Sheriff in the rematch last month in Moldova. They scored two goals before halftime and the game was over.
If United can replicate that and end the game as soon as possible, Ten Hag may be able to finally give some significant minutes to the young talent who has been on his bench recently.
Facundo Pellistri may be salivating more than most. The young forward has been with United for over two years and has yet to make his debut. He didn’t do much for Alaves on loan last year, but he looked good in pre-season, is a senior international for Uruguay, and has clearly impressed Ten Hag enough to earn a regular spot in the dugout. He has yet to compete under the Dutchman, but will be eager to do so on Thursday.
Alejandro Garnacho will also be vying for that spot. The attacking prodigy rose to prominence last season with his contributions to United’s FA Youth Cup victory and made his debut at the age of 17. He’s already made three appearances for Ten Hag and is likely to get more.
While Garnacho received the most attention, United’s young players would not have won the prestigious trophy without Kobbie Mainoo. The all-action midfielder, who can make an impact at either end of the field, was a team mainstay. For the first time, he was named to the bench for the draw with Newcastle, and it was a well-deserved call-up. He didn’t make the field, but it won’t be long before he does.
