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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

Fernandes and Bailly to return - Predicted Manchester United starting XI vs Sheffield United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could make four changes to his Manchester United starting XI when they take on Sheffield United.

Fresh from their thrilling FA Cup victory over Liverpool, United will return to Premier League action on Wednesday as they take on the bottom-placed Blades.

As United could find themselves below Manchester City, depending on the Blues' result against West Brom on Tuesday, by the time the game kicks off Solskjaer will likely deploy his strongest possible side for the match.

That means David De Gea would come back in in goal, replacing cup Dean Henderson, and there could be a change in defence as well.

Aside from his two great performances against Liverpool, Victor Lindelof has mostly been out of the team in 2021 as he continues to struggle with a back injury. It would make sense if the Swede was rested again on Wednesday, with Eric Bailly more than capable of taking his place.

In midfield Paul Pogba is almost certain to keep his spot in the side after another fantastic display on Sunday, but he will likely be the only survivor in the different trio.

Despite bright spots in his performance, Donny van de Beek did little to truly stake a claim in the starting XI and will almost certainly make way for Bruno Fernandes. The playmaker grabbed the winner against Liverpool with a fine free-kick after coming on off the bench and, as he insists he isn't feeling the strain of the gruelling campaign, he should start against the Blades.

Fred may join him in midfield, with Scott McTominay dropping to the bench, but there may not be any changes made to the attacking three at all.

Marcus Rashford has been passed fit to play after suffering a minor knee injury against Liverpool and Mason Greenwood deserves to keep his spot after a fine display, with the youngster scoring his first goal since early December.

With Anthony Martial still suffering from a goal drought, Edinson Cavani will likely continue to lead the line as he gives the side a much more obvious focal point in attack than the Frenchman.

Predicted United starting XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, Pogba; Fernandes; Greenwood, Cavani, Rashford.

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