How Manchester United could line up against Leipzig

9:25am on Monday 7th December 2020
By Nicholas Hughes

Manchester United will be sweating on the fitness of David De Gea, Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial ahead of their must win clash against RB Leipzig on Tuesday night.

The former missed the Red Devils’ defeat of West Ham at the weekend while Cavani was substituted at half time and Martial just past the hour with respective muscle issues.

They will both be racing to be passed fit to play, with De Gea the far more likely of the trio to return in a game that could have big permutations for the rest of United’s season.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side need at least a point in Germany to advance with themselves, Leipzig and PSG all locked on nine points through five games.

The Red Devils hold the head-to-head advantage over Nagelsmann’s side after their 5-0 drubbing at Old Trafford at the end of October.

Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford will be well rested after playing just the second half of the win in the capital, but Fred will miss the fixture through suspension after his red card against Paris Saint-Germain last week.

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Mason Greenwood returned to goalscoring form against the Hammers and could be integral with United’s attacking absentees. The 19-year-old scored in his only Champions League start so far this season, which was the opener in the win over Leipzig on Matchday 2.

Nemanja Matic could replace Scott McTominay at the base of midfield after the Scot had a difficult time last week in the face of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and company, with Paul Pogba set to keep his place alongside after his scorching hit set United on their way at West Ham.

Donny van de Beek was withdrawn at half-time, but if not for his quality then for a lack of other options he will likely be asked to start again in midfield having featured in all five Champions League games thus far.

United will be desperate to return to the knockout stages of the Champions League having played in the Europa League last season, and they will be gunning for the win that will guarantee them of that spot in the last 16.