Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick is reportedly preparing ‘big changes’ for the Red Devils’ crunch tie with Villarreal tonight. Donny van de Beek is among those expected to start, with the Dutchman broadly unfavoured by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who was given his marching orders on Sunday.
It has been an emotional week for Man Utd after Solskjaer’s departure from the club.
A heavy defeat at the hands of Watford proved to be the final nail in his coffin after a disastrous run of form over the past two months.
With no immediate replacement plan to hand, the club have turned to Michael Carrick to hold down the fort until an interim or permanent boss can be called upon.
In response to United’s poor form, the Englishman has reportedly prepared ‘big changes’, which includes the reintroduction of bench-bound midfielder Donny van de Beek.
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Elsewhere in the side, Carrick could make wholesale changes in defence after Harry Maguire’s red card against Watford.
With Eric Bailly set to deputise for Sunday’s daunting clash with Chelsea, the caretaker boss could give the Ivorian some warm-up minutes, which would also benefit Maguire by taking him out of the firing line.
Alex Telles could be given a chance to deputise at left-back, the kind of opportunities which have been few and far between this campaign.
Luke Shaw remains a doubt for the tie, which could allow the attacking Brazilian to notch just his fourth appearance in all competitions this campaign.
In the lead-up to a crucial tie, Carrick said in his first press conference: “They [Villarreal] are a very good team, well organised, well coached.
“The [Europa League] final we played very well, stopped them for long periods but no cutting edge. The manner of the loss hurt but I’ve got to say we weren’t good enough on the night.
“They have good technical players, speed, penetration. They have a good mix, good balance. We respect that.
“We will be going there with a plan to come out on top. A big game for both teams but one we can go and look forward to.”
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