Interim manager Ralf Rangnick will be forced into making at least one change to his Manchester United line-up as supporters urge him to give opportunities to two promising Academy youngsters in the midst of a mounting injury crisis at Old Trafford.
During his pre-match press conference, Rangnick confirmed that United will be without six players for their hastily rearranged Premier League fixture against Chelsea on Thursday night (7.45pm). Among them are fresh concerns for Harry Maguire (knee) and Jadon Sancho (tonsillitis).
With a top-four finish now almost impossible at this stage, United have been presented with a golden opportunity to take a look at the next generation. Indeed, that is exactly what Manchester Evening News readers are calling for by using our team selector widget.
READ MORE: Five youngsters Manchester United could use to solve injury crisis vs Chelsea
Goalkeeper - David de Gea
David de Gea has played all 34 games in the Premier League so far this campaign. Given that he has been the best and most consistent performer, that will not change here.
Defenders - Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Alvaro Fernandez
An injury to Maguire and late fitness test for Aaron Wan-Bissaka means Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelof are in pole position to start alongside Raphael Varane in the back four. However, supporters are also calling for a debut here as Academy graduate Alvaro Fernandez gets backing to replace Alex Telles.
Midfielders - Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Hannibal Mejbri
Fred is not fit enough to return and Paul Pogba (calf) might have played his last game for the club. That will present an opportunity for others to stake their claim in the engine room. According to our readers, that chance ought to go to another promising youngster - Hannibal Mejbri.
Forwards - Anthony Elanga, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford
Cristiano Ronaldo is guaranteed to play having scored 22 goals in all competitions this season. Edinson Cavani will return to training on Friday morning and Sancho (illness) should only miss one match. Anthony Elanga and Marcus Rashford have been chosen to flank the five-time Ballon d'Or winner - but might we get to see Alejandro Garnacho in the latter stages of the 90 minutes at Old Trafford?
IN: Alvaro Fernandez, Hannibal Mejbri, Marcus Rashford.
OUT: Alex Telles, Nemanja Matic, Jadon Sancho.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
