Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned his out of form Manchester United stars that places are still up for grabs in his starting line-up for the Europa league final.
United face Fulham at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, with spectators in attendance for the first time in 14 months.
But they do come into the game on the back of three straight defeats, including defeats in their last two Premier League games at home.
They still need two more points to confirm their status as best of the rest behind Manchester City, before focus can turn towards Villarreal in Gdansk.
However, the Norwegian has claimed that the last two domestic games could still have a huge impact on the XI that kicks off against the Spaniards later this month.
“You know, you pick a team to win a game. We need to pick a team for the final,” he explained. “If you want to go to the final 10 days from now, you want players confident, you want players in form, you want players I know I can get everything from.
“These last two games, of course is a chance for everyone, if there’s any doubt in my head.
“I don’t think you go into these last two games saving your energy for the final, no. You need to show, against Fulham, that ‘I’m ready to do my bit for the team’.”
With that mind, here’s a quartet of United players that will be looking to make a lasting impression before his Europa League team is confirmed.
Mason Greenwood
The forward is not only battling for a place in Poland, but for a berth in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad.
Greenwood has hit form at the best possible time and has six goals in his last seven league games.
Against Liverpool, the youngster was relegated back to the bench in place of Edinson Cavani, but is likely to be given at least one start in the final two games of the domestic season.
More impressive performances could persuade Solskjaer he is truly ready for the biggest stage of their season.
Eric Bailly
Harry Maguire’s status for the final remains up in the air, despite Solskjaer’s insistence that his skipper will be fit and raring to go.
What we do know however, is that Maguire will miss the final games of the Premier League season, meaning Bailly could be handed a chance to show he is the best option to start against Unai Emery’s side.
Axel Tuanzebe could get minutes, but it could be a pivotal week for the defender, who recently signed a new deal at the club.
Anthony Martial
Solskjaer confirmed that Martial is set to be back in the squad for Fulham, while a final day start against Wolves is still on the table.
“It’s hard to leave players out if they really perform at their highest, highest level,” the United boss said of Martial.
Right now it appears unlikely that the Frenchman will be able to force his way into the XI, but a strong end to the season could force an 11 th hour change of plans.
Daniel James
Like Martial, James is back in the frame this week in what Solskjaer described as a “massive boost” to the squad.
The Welshman proved his worth in the derby-day win over Manchester City, where his blistering pace caused the champions all kind of problems.
Consistency remains James’ biggest issue. With three games between now and the start of the European Championships, now would be a perfect time to find some.
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