Diallo to start? Man Utd could line up against Real Sociedad

2:18pm on Wednesday 24th February 2021
By James Shearman

Manchester United welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford on Thursday with a 4-0 head start that should see them comfortably into the Europa League round of 16.

The Red Devils have endured a mixed run of form lately, but this match should provide no cause for concern for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who will be able to rest players ahead of an important Premier League clash with Chelsea.

Expect the likes of Bruno Fernandes to Marcus Rashford sit out with this weekend’s fixture in mind.

Youngsters Amad Diallo and Shola Shoretire were in line to make their starts for the club but Solskjaer ruled that out in his latest press conference.

Dean Henderson will assume goalkeeping duties from David de Gea, who has been under heavy criticism of late.

Full-backs Brandon Williams and summer signing Alex Telles are in line to earn minutes in place of regulars Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw.

Meanwhile, the centre of defence could see a pair of Axel Tuanzebe and Eric Bailly, unless Solskjaer has a slight doubt over his team’s qualification and opts for captain Harry Maguire.

Donny Van de Beek will be hopeful of a full 90 minutes, if he returns from injury in time, with starts few and far between so far since his move from Ajax.

Juan Mata could be brought in to add some experience to the midfield.

Welshman Dan James had a lengthy spell on the sidelines before scoring against Newcastle and should retain his place alongside Mason Greenwood, with Antony Martial up top.