Solskjaer justifies weakened Man Utd side for Leicester clash

James Holland
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Man Utd F365

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has justified the 10 changes he has made to the Man Utd team for their clash with Leicester.

Due to their hectic schedule of four Premier League games in just nine days, the Norwegian manager included a host of surprise names for the match at Old Trafford.

England forward Mason Greenwood became the only player to keep his place.


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Here’s the starting eleven: David de Gea, Brandon Williams, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe, Alex Telles, Donny van de Beek, Nemanja Matic, Amad Diallo, Juan Mata, Anthony Elanga and Greenwood.

Speaking about his selection, Solskjaer said: “That was the only way to do it, that is the strongest we can get but I am looking forward to it.

“These boys will do everything they can for the team and it is a chance for them to play their way into the next game against Liverpool. I want to win every game.”

De Gea has had to compete with Dean Henderson in goal this season but gets the nod for the 18:00 kick-off in Manchester.

Williams looks set to become a Man Utd star in the future but is struggling to get past Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the pecking order, with the full-back on the bench.

Harry Maguire misses a league match for the first time since joining from the Foxes two years ago, which demonstrates his influence on Solskjaer’s team. Tuanzebe and Bailly will aim to impress in his absence.

Perhaps the most high-profile name in the starting eleven is Dutchman van de Beek. He was signed to much fanfare from Ajax but has failed to make it into the starting eleven, limiting him to late substitute appearances.

A solid performance against Brendan Rodgers’ men would help his cause for future selections.

He will partner Mata and Matic in midfield, both of whom have played their part for Man Utd in recent seasons but are now slightly on the peripheral.

United fans will be excited by the inclusion of Diallo, who was brought to the club from Atalanta for an initial £19million fee which could rise to £37million.

He could eventually solve their problems at right wing and is one to watch for the future.

It’s a special night for Elanga as he’s making his debut for the club. The 19-year-old has impressed in United’s youth teams and will hope for a win on his first senior appearance.

Up front is Greenwood. The forward, also 19, has scored six league goals so far this term and is thriving under Solskjaer. However, he will have big boots to fill in attack as Edinson Cavani has been electric in recent weeks.

Eight goals in seven games have earned the Uruguayan a bumper new contract.