Manchester United predicted XI as Erik ten Hag makes unpopular change vs Galatasaray

Manchester United face Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday and Erik ten Hag’s side desperately need a victory.

The Reds lost 4-3 against Copenhagen away last time out which means that they sit bottom of their group, a point behind both the Danish side and Galatasaray.

Going away to Turkey will provide a fierce atmosphere but United are coming off the back of a positive 3-0 win against Everton in the Premier League.

Galatasaray won against United at Old Trafford and Ten Hag’s men will need to show extreme resistance and quality in order to get revenge on Wednesday.

The backline that managed to keep a clean sheet against the Everton side is likely to be unchanged as Ten Hag looks for more consistency in his team.

However, the Dutch manager could be set to make an unpopular decision in the middle of the park as dropping Kobbie Mainoo to the bench is a real possibility.

The teenager was the best player on the pitch at Goodison Park but has only recently returned from injury. It is unlikely that he will start three games in a week for United so it could be a choice of starting against Galatasaray or Newcastle United on the weekend.

But should Ten Hag make the decision to start him on the bench in Turkey, it would likely be down to the fierce atmosphere expected as well as the fact that Mainoo’s excellent press resistance might be in better use against an Eddie Howe team known for their aggressive approach out of possession.

Instead, Sofyan Amrabat could come into the midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay.

Marcus Rashford is unavailable for selection in the front three and options to replace the Englishman are scarce. Antony missed out on the Everton game with a knock and is the most likely to come into the frame if he has recovered in time.

Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund seems unlikely to start the game according to the latest updates, which means Anthony Martial will continue as the striker from the start.

Next to him on his left will be Alejandro Garnacho, the only certainty in the front three. The teenager will be full of confidence after scoring an incredible overhead kick against Everton.

Full Manchester United predicted XI

Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; Amrabat, McTominay, B.Fernandes; Antony, Martial, Garnacho