Villarreal v Manchester United: Predicted lineup & team news ahead of Champions League clash

Manchester United return to Champions League action this evening.
By Molly Burke
23rd Nov 2021, 1:41pm
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Michael Carrick will take charge of his first match as Manchester United’s interim manager this evening as they travel to Spain to take on Villarreal in the Champions League.

The game is their penultimate of the group stage and is the start to life without Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, who left the club following the Red Devils’ 4-1 defeat to Watford at the weekend.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Man United have so far taken seven points from a possible 12 and could move down to third if they fail to beat Villarreal.

Michael Carrick looks on prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford. (Photo by Phil Noble - Pool/Getty Images)Michael Carrick looks on prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford. (Photo by Phil Noble - Pool/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick looks on prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford. (Photo by Phil Noble - Pool/Getty Images)

Carrick will be hoping to pick up his first win as he looks to improve on previous results as fans await a permanent arrival, however it is unclear how he is likely to set up this evening.

Speaking to the media on Monday, the former midfielder said: "I worked with Ole closely, we have similar beliefs as a coach and manager. I have my own personality but it is very similar because that is why we worked together. I'm not giving my plans away but I am very clear in my own mind.”

It is hard to predict the starting XI that Carrick will opt for, but it looks unlikely that it will differ too much from Ole’s preferred team.

Team news

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates victory on the final whistle after scoring a stoppage time winner during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Manchester United and Villarreal CF at Old Trafford. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates victory on the final whistle after scoring a stoppage time winner during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Manchester United and Villarreal CF at Old Trafford. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates victory on the final whistle after scoring a stoppage time winner during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Manchester United and Villarreal CF at Old Trafford. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Manchester United will be without Luke Shaw who has been suffering with concussion, while Mason Greenwood tested positive for Covid-19 and also missed out against Watford.

It was Diogo Dalot who replaced Shaw against the Hornets, however this evening's match could see Alex Telles take his place at left-back.

Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane remain sidelined after picking up long-term injuries, while Edison Cavani hasn’t been spotted travelling with the rest of the squad.

Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire have been victims of criticism as of late, so Eric Bailly may be brought in to freshen up, with the Manchester United captain likely to remain in the heart of the defence.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Scott McTominay was withdrawn at half-time at the weekend but could be set for another start against Villarreal, while Donny van de Beek may feature from the off following his goal against Claudio Ranieri’s side.

Predicted line-up

David De Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Bailly, Harry Maguire, Alex Telles; Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek; Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Cristiano Ronaldo

Related topics:Manchester UnitedChampions LeagueVillarrealSpainDavid De Gea