Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is missing a number of the first-team squad through injury, including Ashley Young, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial.
The match will take place on a plastic pitch in The Hague, as Alkmaar continue to rebuild their stadium following the collapse of a roof. Follow it live:
Plenty of changes for United then. Young Brandon Williams makes his first start for the club at left back, while Mason Greenwood will be looking to build on his impressive performance last time out in the Europa League against Astana.
A victory in the Netherlands tonight might help to relieve some of the pressure on Ole Gunner Solskjaer, after another underwhelming Premier League performance against Arsenal on Monday night.
Hopes of a top four challenge are already dwindling at United, so the Europa League could provide some welcome escapism. This evening's game could prove difficult, though: AZ Alkmaar have started well in the Eredivisie and the match, due to the adverse weather prior to kick-off, will be played on a synthetic pitch.
Elsewhere in Manchester United's group, Partizan Belgrade are 2-0 up away at Astana. As it stands, the Serbian side top Group L, but United can overtake them with a win tonight.
James tries to play a pass in behind for Williams, who makes an overlapping run from left back. The 19-year-old's touch is too heavy, though, and the ball rolls away for a goal kick.
United are the side probing, searching for an opening in the early stages. But there's no way through as yet. Fred has a go from distance but his shot is blocked.
AZ have started the game cautiously, perhaps a bit too respectful of their visitors.
The first real sign of attacking intent from AZ as highly-rated youngster Calvin Stengs plays a clever through ball into the path of Idrissi. Nothing comes of it, but the home side keep the ball alive and Owen Wijndal sends in a dangerous cross which needs to be hooked away by Rojo.
AZ have the ball in United's net! But it won't count. Myron Boadu converts a cross from close range but he's clearly offside. The hosts are growing in confidence though.
This is a good spell for AZ after a slow start. Stengs wins a corner, which is headed away by Mata. But AZ keep possession and look to rebuild the attack. United defend another corner, but Idrissi finds space on the edge of the box to shoot, forcing a strong save from De Gea.
De Wit makes a clever run at the near post and gets his head to another corner. His header flies just over the bar though. United are very much on the back foot at the moment.
