Manchester United will start their life after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a high-intensity clash against Villarreal, a replay of the last season’s UEFA Europa League final. Stand-in manager Michael Carrick has opted to revamp the starting XI and drop star midfielder Bruno Fernandes to the bench. 

In place of the Portuguese, Donny van de Beek, who fell out of favour under Solskjaer, will start at the No. 10 spot. The Dutchman has been a shadow of his former self since making the switch to Manchester from Ajax but could reignite his glory days under the new management. 

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The two sides are level on points in Group F of the UEFA Champions League. The winner would secure a berth in the knockout stages of the tournament. 

Meanwhile, the match will be the first after the Red Devils parted ways with Solskjaer following a 4-1 drubbing in the hands of struggling Watford in the weekend. 

Manchester United (4-2-3-1)

The Manchester side has opted for a traditional 4-2-3-1 under new manager Michael Carrick, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attacking line. Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho will provide width. Meanwhile, club skipper Harry Maguire, who was sent off in the last game, has kept his place in the centre of the defensive line, along with Victor Lindelof. 

Lineup: De Gea, Wan Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Alex Telles, Fred, McTominay, Sancho, van de Beek, Martial, Ronaldo. Subs: Bailly, Mata, Rashford, Lingard, Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Dalot, Heaton, Henderson, Matic.

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Villarreal (4-3-1-2)

With two of their primary striking options out injured, Unai Emery has opted for a more free-flowing front two with Yeremi Pino and Arnaut Danjuma. Moi Gomez will play behind the two in a free role. 

Etienne Capoue, Manu Trigueros and Dani Parejo will from the midfield three. Raul Albiol will pair up with Pau Torres in the centre-back position. Villarreal are currently struggling in La Liga, down in the 12th spot, but have been able to grind out results in the European competition.  

Lineup: Rulli, Foyth, Albiol, Torres, Estupinan, Capoue, Trigueros, Parejo, Moi Gomez, Pino, Danjuma. Subs: Sergio Asenjo, Mario, Alcacer, Iborra, Chukwueze, Dia, Raba, Moreno, Pena, Mandi, Pedraza, Iker.

Referee: Felix Brych (Munich)