In what was a squash buckling encounter for Manchester United, the Red Devils thrashed four goals past Real Sociedad in the Europa League. The second leg of the game will take place at Old Trafford where all hell should break loose for the Red Devils. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must be one of the most comfortable men after the 0-4 victory away from home as he would look to rest most of his star players.
Even though this game is more or less done and dusted, attention will be given to the starting XI for Manchester United. Solskjaer will be expected to field a weak and inexperienced side against the Spanish side as the tie is dead and over. The fringe players will get a chance to shine and prove their mettle in this game and try to win the manager’s trust.
Let us now have a look at how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might set his Manchester United side up against Real Sociedad in the second leg of the Europa League tie.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is clearly Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s favourite system and formation as he has extensively used it throughout the season in all competitions. With the tie almost died and buried, the manager will be expected to play fringe players and rest his United stars. A lot of midfielders of the Manchester United squad are injured and thus youngsters like Ethan Galbraith might get their first-team debuts.
Harry Maguire has played almost every minute for Manchester United this season and should be rested for the weekend fixture against Chelsea. The likes of Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe should start the game as both the players haven’t had a lot of game-time and this will be a perfect game for both the defenders. Tuanzebe was fantastic against PSG but Solskjaer seems to not trust him as he has barely played for the Red Devils since that great game.
Anthony Martial has been woeful this season as his goals have dried up and he needs to up his game big time.
THE 4-4-2 (DIAMOND)
Juan Mata has been a great footballer with a brilliant mind as he is perfect in a No.10 role against a side that will look to attack. He has surely lost the legs, but what he hasn’t lost is his vision and cutting-edge passing which will help the likes of Greenwood and Martial to score. Amad Diallo might get a start against Sociedad after a cameo against the La Liga side in the first leg of the tie.
The diamond formation has helped United earlier but without Pogba, McTominay and Van de Beek it is unlikely for Solskjaer to use this system. But you must always expect the unexpected, especially when it is about Manchester United. Brandon Williams hasn’t played almost any football for the first-team this season and should get minutes against Real Sociedad.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 is an option for Manchester United but it is highly unlikely for Solskjaer to use it as he has barely done so at Old Trafford. Manchester United should have a walk in the park after the 0-4 game in Turin and are favourites to go through to the next round.
