Paul Pogba, Alex Telles, and Axel Tuanzebe start but Edinson Cavani remains on the bench as Manchester United face RB Leipzig in the Champions League

2 months ago 2

Things may not quite be going to plan for Manchester United in the Premier League but it’s a lot rosier in the Champions League.

Having beaten Paris Saint-Germain on Matchday 1, next up is a clash with RB Leipzig at Old Trafford in Group H.

Marcus Rashford scored a superb goal to seal the win for Man United in ParisAFP or licensors

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer provided fans with a tactical masterclass in Paris, helping them to a 2-1 victory thanks to Rashford’s late goal.

However, the Red Devils boss, following a dreary 0-0 draw with Chelsea at the weekend, is coming underfire for the use of his squad.

Donny van de Beek has been restricted to cameos, Paul Pogba has been on the bench for the last three games, while Fred and Scott McTominay have both started the last three in all competitions.

Another match like this may be a step too far, though, so expect some change against the German side, who knocked Tottenham out of the Champions League.

“It’s going to be a long season,” said Solskjaer. “Of course, the depth of our squad is better now.

“It’s hard to leave players out like the last game with Donny [van de Beek], Nemanja [Matic] and Paul [Pogba] to start on the bench, as midfielders they are all experienced international footballers.

“It’s not easy but then, as I’ve said, we have so many games this season, they are all going to play a big, massive part in different periods of the season. I don’t think anyone is able to play all of them.

“There’s a balance when you put 11 together, it’s all important we all work well as a team – is it three or four or two?

“All sorts of discussions and who is on form and who maybe needs a break. All these little things.”

Solskjaer maintains new signing Van de Beek has a big part to play this seasonGetty Images

Manchester United team news

“It’s more or less the same squad”, Solskjaer said at his pre-match press conference.

“There are a couple of doubts, as you normally have after a weekend game, a tight game as we had against Chelsea.

“I think we’ve more or less the same squad.”

Jesse Lingard and Eric Bailly missed that match through injury.
Sergio Romero, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have been omitted from the European squad so cannot feature in the group stage.