Manchester United face a tricky test against Aston Villa on Friday, January 1 in the Premier League and three points could move them level on points with league leaders Liverpool.
Solskjaer’s side is currently in an excellent run domestically after going unbeaten in their last nine games.
In terms of Aston Villa, United have only lost once against the Villains in their last 43 attempts and will be looking to keep the run going.
However, Solskjaer will have to do it a bit differently as his squad might have a number of absentees.
With cup games against Manchester City and Watford on the horizon, Solskjaer will have continuity on his mind but at the same time be wary of player fatigue.
So far, squad rotation has worked for him quite decently over the last three weeks and for the Aston Villa game, he might recall midfielder Fred, who sat out the win against Wolverhampton.
Mason Greenwood, who has been interchangeable with Daniel James over the past few games, could be preferred in the attacking line up because of the youngster’s cutting edge in front of goal.
The fact that Greenwood helped hurt Villa last season in July 2020 will also favor him ahead of Dan James.
In defense the only probable change that could happen is Luke Shaw coming in to replace Alex Telles, who could be rested with cup games in mind.
Eric Bailly has been solid for his side since his return from injury and his performances in recent games might give Solskjaer something to think about.
In attack, Bruno Fernandes is the most likely to keep his place as majority of Manchester United’s attacks revolve around the Portugal playmaker who has integral for his side since his signature in January 2020.
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are also likely to make starts with the former leading the line after Edinson Cavani began his three game ban for a social media post he made on November 29.
United’s game is the first one of the new year hence the squad will have plenty of time to prepare for the Carabao Cup tie against Manchester City.
For this reason, Solskjaer might not have a reason to overly rotate his squad. Here is how United might like up:
Goalkeeper: David De Gea.
Defenders: Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly, Aaron Wan Bissaka
Midfielders: Fred, McTominay, Bruno Fernandes
Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial.
