Atalanta 2-2 Manchester United: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer review
If Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Tottenham was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reprieve, then Saturday’s derby against Manchester City will test exactly how far his Red Devils side have come from their 5-0 thumping by Liverpool a fortnight ago. Another big defeat at Old Trafford will undoubtedly put the Norwegian’s job back in doubt, particularly following an unconvincing performance in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Atalanta.Solskjaer resolved to change to a 3-5-2 formation in the win at Spurs and it proved an inspired choice. Express Sportlooks at how the 48-year-old may line up for the Manchester derby.
Spaniard De Gea has had a remarkable six months. In May, his future seemed in doubt having been displaced by Dean Henderson and after missing the crucial penalty in the Europa League final shootout against Villarreal.
Fast forward to the end of the year and the 30-year-old seems to be back to his best.
He is now the undoubted No 1 and the impressive Henderson has scarcely been seen this term.
De Gea will surely take part in his 24th Manchester derby.
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hope his side continue their improved form (Image: GETTY)
Centre-backs: Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw
Solskjaer spent most of the week prior to last weekend’s victory training his team in a back-five formation.
The only difference to the XI who started that match, according to The Athletic, was that Shaw was meant to play as a left-sided centre back. The England international ended up at left wing-back after Soslkjaer received the good news that Raphael Varane could play.
However, the Frenchman, who had just recovered from a groin injury, has now suffered a hamstring injury. He limped off late on against Atalanta.
Shaw could now reprise that more central role alongside Maguire and Lindelof, who were vastly improved at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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Wan-Bissaka has seemed much more comfortable with an extra centre back adding extra protection.
The former Crystal Palace defender continues to improve his attacking play and will surely start against City. He will need to keep quiet the likes of Jack Grealish and Phil Foden.
In the team Solskjaer had initially prepared for Spurs, which had Shaw at centre back, deputy left-back Telles was handed the role further forward.
The 28-year-old finally opened his account with a goal against Villarreal in the Champions League earlier this season. His attacking threat would be a welcome addition with Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani desperate for service.
Ronaldo was once again busy saving United in midweek. His brace against Atalanta secured an important Champions League point on Tuesday.
The Portuguese struck a 91st-minute equaliser to ensure Solskjaer did not suffer defeat only days after saving his job in north London.
His partnership with Cavani evidenced incredibly promising signs in the win at Spurs. Both were on the scoresheet, with Ronaldo smashing home a tremendous volley in the first half before Cavani clipped over Hugo Lloris in the second.
Both deserve to start against City, with Marcus Rashford able to inject some tenacity from the bench should United need a late goal.