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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Solskjaer sends Manchester United youngsters a message ahead of Astana fixture

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he wants Manchester United's teenage trio to go out and 'enjoy' themselves against Astana in the Europa League.

United begin their European campaign on Thursday night when they welcome the Kazakhstan champions to Old Trafford.

Solskjaer has made nine changes from the side which defeated Leicester in the league at the weekend with Mason Greenwood, Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes all named in the line up.

Greenwood starts only his second senior match for the club, while Chong and Gomes make their full senior debuts in the encounter.

Nemanja Matic and Marcus Rashford are the only two players who survive from the weekend win, and the United manager wants the experienced members of the line up to lead the line on Thursday night.

"It’s a mix," Solskjaer told MUTV of his team selection. "It’s players that need game time, and want to show me and the other staff they should play more.

"Hope it can be a good blend, good experience will help the young lads just express themselves, that is what it is all about for them. They are out there to enjoy themselves, the elder professionals they are there to make sure we play a proper game. 

"It is a big game for the kids we just hope they are going to enjoy it. A lot of responsibility on the others, we don’t expect the kids to be the ones who carry us in this tournament. So the other experienced ones need to step up and help them.

"We entered this with the hope of getting to the final. Last time we won it, so let’s just make sure we get a good start."

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