4-3-3: Man Utd predicted XI to face Reading

Manchester United are set to take on Reading in the third round of this season’s FA Cup at Old Trafford Saturday lunchtime.

The Royals are having a tough season, down in 23rd place in the Championship table under Jose Manuel Gomes.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already confirmed that he will be making a few changes to the side that won 2-0 at Newcastle United during the week.

Here is the team I think we will see facing Reading:

Goalkeeper: Sergio Romero
The Argentine could be our cup goalkeeper under the caretaker manager to give David de Gea a rest. Sergio Romero will likely be backed up by Lee Grant.

Defence: Diogo Dalot, Phil Jones, Victor Lindelof, Matteo Darmian
Diogo Dalot should be given another chance at right-back. The 19-year-old has looked excellent bombing forward in the handful of games he has featured for us this season. With Eric Bailly suspended and both Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo injured, the boss has no choice but to play Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones together at centre-back again. There is at least an eight day break before we return to Premier League action after this weekend’s game. Matteo Darmian could come in at left-back for Luke Shaw, with Ashley Young another option.

Midfield: Andreas Pereira, Fred, Marouane Fellaini
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer mentioned Marouane Fellaini in this morning’s pre-match press conference which gives me the feeling he will start this one instead of Jesse Lingard or Juan Mata in the attacking central midfield role. Both Andreas Pereira and Fred have had limited action under the Norwegian’s reign of far, so I expect them to start. Nemanja Matic will certainly be rested and I expect Paul Pogba will be too, particularly after the horror tackle from Jonjo Shelvey on Wednesday night.

Attack: Jesse Lingard, Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez
The boss announced that both Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez will start tomorrow. The Belgian striker has come off the bench to score in both of his appearances under Ole so far, whilst Alexis made his return after more than a month out with a hamstring injury, to provide the assist for Marcus Rashford’s goal at St James’ Park. That leaves us guessing who the right winger will be. We’re going with Jesse Lingard as he only played the final five minutes midweek.

Here’s our team on paper: