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Manchester United’s 1-0 win against FC Astana on Thursday meant that United have won two competitive games in a row for the first time since the start of March this year. During that period, they won three back-to-back games against Crystal Palace, Southampton and Paris Saint-Germain. It was also the last time United had won an away game in any competition. On Sunday, Manchester United travel to London Stadium, hoping to break that awful record.
The Red Devils have stitched together a gritty run of form of late, which includes two back to back 1-0 wins. However, a few persistent problems are still present in the team and recent injury concerns have only added to the misery. On the back of a straining Europa League game on Thursday and the absence of at least four first team members due to injury, Solskjaer needs to shuffle his team around for the trip to London.
Here are four players Solskjaer should consider starting against West Ham United on Sunday.
#4 Marcos Rojo
The Argentinean was a breath of fresh air on the left-hand side against Astana on Thursday. Marcos Rojo started his first game in months and immediately caught the eye with his desire to run forward and his tenacity on the field. The Argentinean did get caught out a few times at the back, but with the solidity and stability of Harry Maguire beside him, Rojo could actually be a fantastic addition to this team in the absence of Luke Shaw.
While the Englishman recovers from his hamstring injury, Solskjaer has preferred to use club captain Ashley Young as the left-back. However, against Astana, Rojo gave a glimpse of why he would be better suited for the role. The Argentinean was an eager runner on the left-wing, and his brilliant crosses added a new dimension to United’s gameplay. In fact, Rojo could easily have picked up a hat-trick of assists had his forwards been a little more clinical in the final third.
As such, Solskjaer should opt for the Argentinean at the left-back position against West Ham United. With Marcos Rojo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka marauding down the wings, Manchester United might dominate proceedings at the London Stadium.
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#3 Angel Gomes
Manchester United’s failure to secure an attacking midfielder has come back to haunt them this season. At the start of the season, when Solskjaer opted for Jesse Lingard in the No. 10 role, the Red Devils appeared lacklustre in attack and their moves were predictable. After the Norwegian replaced the Englishman with Juan Mata, things have looked a bit better, but the Spaniard might not be the perfect fit for the No. 10 role. This is because Mata no longer has the legs to sustain Solskjaer’s heavy pressing football. Enter, Angel Gomes.
The youngster was impressive against Astana in midweek, working well with his midfield and frontline. He was quite active in the final third, using the ball very well and also switching play to bring the full-backs into the game. Gomes’ quick feet also won United quite a few free-kicks in dangerous areas and the teenager deserves more game time in this team. Solskjaer could at least use him off the bench against West Ham United.
#2 Fred
Solskjaer’s biggest worry on Sunday would be the absence of Paul Pogba. The Frenchman still is the chief creator at Manchester United, but he might not recover in time to face the Hammers this weekend. As such, Solskjaer will be looking for a new partner for Scott McTominay. He need not look any further than Fred.
The Brazilian got his first start of the season against Astana in a deeper role alongside Nemanja Matic. Fred was the best player on the pitch and showed traits that could suit the current United team very well. The Brazilian switched play intelligently and played small passes around the park to build-up play. He ably supported the attacking players and kept possession very well. Whenever United lost the ball, Fred pressed with intent and effectively helped out his backline.
In Pogba’s absence, Fred could be tasked with dictating play from deep, something he did really well against Astana. The Brazilian also rocked the crossbar with a thunderous shot early on in the game, so he could cause West Ham quite a few worries.
#1 Mason Greenwood
Had it not been for Mason Greenwood’s precision, Manchester United would have been left frustrated at the end of the 90 minutes on Thursday. The Red Devils created a host of chances but failed to convert them for the majority of the night. When it was looking increasingly likely that United would only manage a 0-0 draw, Mason Greenwood stepped up, showed great skills to beat his marker and then finished like a seasoned professional. United secured a narrow 1-0 victory after dominating the match, but it was possible only because of their teenage prodigy.
With Anthony Martial injured and Marcus Rashford failing miserably of late in the No. 9 role, it is time for Solskjaer to give Mason Greenwood the chance he has deserved since the start of the summer. The Norwegian should let the teenager lead the line against West Ham United and allow Rashford to drop back to his favoured left forward role. It would do Manchester United a whole lot of good.
