Manchester United hold their destiny in their own hands as they face West Ham in a bid to secure a top four Premier League place and qualify for the Champions League next season.
Victory against the Hammers at Old Trafford would give United a huge advantage over Leicester going into the final day of the season on Sunday against the Foxes.
Even just a point from the West Ham game would be enough as long as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side aren’t beaten in Leicester, but a win would put them in a much stronger position whereby even a narrow loss on the final day might be immaterial depending on how the goal difference works out.
As United prepare to face West Ham off the back of a disappointing defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at the weekend, here’s a look at the starting XI Solskjaer should pick…
Goalkeeper & Defenders
David de Gea (GK): Despite tabloid claims the goalkeeper could be dropped (could is doing all the work there), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seems determined to stand by David de Gea, praising the Spaniard’s mental strength in his pre-game press conference.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB): Endured a difficult evening against Chelsea at Wembley and it may be that fatigue is starting to catch up with him in a marathon debut season at Old Trafford that has now exceeded 12 months, including pre-season.
Harry Maguire (CB): The United captain appeared to suffer no major damage from his clash of heads with Eric Bailly at the weekend, even dispensing with his bandage soon after he was patched up. Bailly has described himself as ‘fine’ but is still a doubt.
Victor Lindelof (CB): Bailly joined Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in a back three against Chelsea as Solskjaer attempted to stifle the Londoners. Doubts over the Ivorian will likely ensure Lindelof keeps his place when the more conventional system returns.
Brandon Williams (LB): Luke Shaw is still feeling the affects of a twisted ankle suffered against former club Southampton just over a week ago. That should leave the door open for Brandon Williams to keep his place in the side from Sunday.
Midfielders
Nemanja Matic (CM): Should fare better as United’s defensive midfield shield against a West Ham side less likely to move the ball as quickly as Chelsea. His recent new contract was a justified reward for his resurgent form in recent months.
Paul Pogba (CM): United missed Paul Pogba from the start at Wembley, initially left on the bench for some much needed rest and respite. The Frenchman hasn’t not started a Premier League game since facing Tottenham last month and United look all the better for his involvement.
Bruno Fernandes (AM): The two-time Premier League Player of the Month still scored against Chelsea with a late penalty but lacked influence. He appeared to miss Pogba and United will need the dual creativity if they are to break down a West Ham side who will try to keep it tight.
Forwards
Mason Greenwood (RF): His recent run of starts was broken by dropping to the bench against Chelsea, but Mason Greenwood is still gunning for 20 goals in all competitions this season. Hasn’t netted since in three appearances and will keen to get back on it.
Anthony Martial (ST): The Frenchman won United a penalty coming off the bench at Wembley. It was a crucial rest that should see him fresh enough to finish the Premier League season. The competition with Marcus Rashford to be top scorer is still very open.
Marcus Rashford (LF): The home-grown hero has found his calling as wide forward operating from the left and looked ill at ease and ineffective through the middle as a ‘number nine’ against Chelsea, rather like he had done earlier in the season when Martial was injured.
Source : 90min