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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be looking forward to Thursday's game against Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League, for a variety of reasons.
For starters, it will be a great opportunity to put the weekend's disappointing 0-1 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth in the Premier League behind them. Solskjaer will be hoping that Manchester United can get back to winning ways, especially since a victory will guarantee qualification into the next round.
Another reason why the Norwegian will be pleased to return to Europa League action is that United are currently unbeaten in the tournament. The Red Devils have won 2 and drawn 1 of their 3 games and are top of the table ahead of the game.
Interestingly, Solskjaer's men are yet to concede a goal in the tournament - a record that the Norwegian will be desperate to hold on to on Thursday.
But perhaps the biggest attraction of the Europa League is that it allows Solskjaer to give much-needed game time to his younger players. The Manchester United squad has been alarmingly stretched in recent weeks, and the Europa League provides the Norwegian the chance to give some of his players much-deserved rest.
Manchester United have shown a tendency to use the Europa League as a stepping stone for youth team players, and Thursday should be no different. Here, we take a look at three young players Solskjaer should consider for the home game against Partizan Belgrade.
#3 James Garner
The 18-year-old already has two appearances for the first team this season, and has been on the bench for quite a few games. James Garner started in the 1-0 away win against Partizan and also played the last few minutes of the 3-1 win over Norwich City in the Premier League. The Englishman has already impressed for the youth teams and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
Garner looked comfortable alongside Scott McTominay in the reverse fixture in Belgrade, and deserves to get another run with the first-team at home. The Englishman has an eye for a pass and the European experience would help his development.
Alongside either of McTominay or Fred, Garner's vision and composure could actually help Manchester United on the night.
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#2 Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams has been one of the finds of the season, and Manchester United fans are right to be excited about him. Luke Shaw's injury actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it helped push the youngster into action. And Williams has already outshone Ashley Young with his consistent performances on the left side of the defense.
The Englishman broke into the scene in the Carabao Cup against Rochdale and has two appearances in the Premier League. He also has two starts in the Europa League so far and has developed at a steady pace.
Williams was brilliant against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup as well as against Partizan in the Europa League.
He is blessed with pace to burn and needs no invitation to run forward. However, he doesn't shy away from his defensive responsibilities either and is a willing runner off the ball as well.
Teams have already struggled to handle Williams this season, and he certainly deserves to be in the starting XI against Partizan Belgrade. The only problem could be that Young is suspended for the weekend's game in the Premier League against Brighton and Hove Albion, so Solskjaer might keep the youngster on reserve for that tie instead.
#1 Mason Greenwood
Despite the fact that Manchester United have struggled with striker issues since the start of the season, Solskjaer has been careful not to put undue pressure on teenage sensation Mason Greenwood. However, the youngster has still been an ever-present figure in United's campaign this term.
Even though the Englishman is just 18 years old, he has already appeared in eight Premier League games this season - albeit from the bench each time. Greenwood did get first-team opportunities in the Carabao Cup as well as the Europa League, and made the most of them too.
He scored the winner against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, before finding the net again against Rochdale in the Carabao Cup. Two goals from three starts is a fantastic return, and Greenwood certainly deserves to lead the line against Partizan on Thursday.
With Solskjaer’s offense appearing lackluster against Bournemouth on Saturday, the Norwegian needs some fresh legs in the final third. Greenwood, with his speed, techinical abilities and eye for goal, could be just the right player to inspire the Red Devils into the knockout stages.
