Whilst the Champions League spurts back into life this week, Manchester United return to Europa League duty on Thursday night. Saint-Etienne visit Old Trafford on Thursday night for the first leg of their last-32 tie, with United looking to make their mark on Europe’s secondary club competition and guarantee Champions League football next season.
Despite United facing Blackburn Rovers in the 5th round of the FA Cup on Sunday, it’s likely that Jose Mourinho will prioritise this tie over a meeting with the Championship side, and as such, we expect a strong starting XI on Thursday night:
David De Gea is one of several players who should be rested on Sunday, but he, along with Antonio Valencia will almost certainly start on Thursday. Marcos Rojo missed Saturday’s 2-0 defeat of Watford but should return alongside Chris Smalling in defence, with Daley Blind retaining his position at left back.
Michael Carrick should slot in behind Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera in midfield having been an unused substitute at the weekend, and Mourinho will likely retain Zlatan Ibrahimovic in attack, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial either side of him.
