Donny van de Beek has a starting place in the Champions League match between Villarreal and Manchester United. The midfielder will make his first official game kick-off since the EFL Cup match against West Ham United (September 22). Interim coach Michael Carrick leads his first game as the person with ultimate responsibility. Arnaut Danjuma is in the base at Villarreal. The game starts at 6.45 pm in Estadio de la Cerámica.
Carrick, the temporary successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is making several changes compared to the lost league match against Watford (4-1). He cannot have Luka Shaw, so Alex Telles takes over as left back. Nemanja Matic, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford have lost their starting spot, creating space for Fred, Van de Beek and Anthony Martial. Cristiano Ronaldo retains his starting spot in the vanguard.
Paul Pogba and Raphaël Varane are unavailable due to injury, while Mason Greenwood has tested positive for the coronavirus. At Villarreal, Danjuma’s availability was questionable. The the Dutch international was missing on Saturday in the away match against Celta de Vigo (1-1) due to an injury. The same was true for Comptroller Étienne Capoue. However, both players appear to be fit enough for a basic place in Unai Emery’s squad.
Manchester United and Villarreal have both collected seven points from their first four group matches. A win is enough for both clubs to secure their place in the next round, provided Atalanta does not win against Young Boys.
Villarreal line-up: rulli; Foyth, Albiol, Pau Torres, Estupinán; Capoue, Parejo, Trigueros; Moi Gómez, Danjuma, Yeremic
Manchester United line-up: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Telles; Fred, McTominay; Sancho, Van de Beek, Martial; Ronaldo