Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed Eric Bailly to take his chance in the Manchester United team after handing the centre back just his second start of the season.
The Ivorian has come in for Victor Lindelof for the Champions League game with Atalanta, with Lindelof not travelling to Bergamo after picking up a knock in training on Monday.
With Solskjaer sticking to a back three it means a second performance of the season for Bailly, who has been frustrated at his lack of game time since signing a new contract towards the end of last season.
"Yeah he’s been really keen. He’s worked really hard and trained really well. Of course he’s played a few games with Ivory Coast as well, so he’ll be ready," Solskjaer told MUTV.
There are three changes in total for United, with Paul Pogba replacing Fred in midfield and Marcus Rashford starting ahead of Edinson Cavani in attack.
Pogba was expected to come in as he continues to serve a three-game domestic suspension, while Rashford has been in excellent form since returning from injury recently, scoring against Leicester City, Atalanta at Old Trafford and Tottenham.
"We’re hoping to see the best of Marcus and Paul. I thought Marcus was very good v Atalanta at Old Trafford. He caused problems with his dynamism and runs in behind. Of course, Paul can create chances and we hope to see the best of him too."
United produced a stirring comeback to beat Atalanta 3-2 at Old Trafford a fortnight ago but they've switched system since then and kept just a second clean sheet of the season in the win at Tottenham on Saturday.
"You’re away from home. You can’t expect to give two goals away and come back and win 3-2," said Solskjaer.
"Our fans were unbelievable, but we need to start better, be hard working and humble as we were against Tottenham. With the players we’ve got we’re always going to create chances and hopefully score goals."
