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If Manchester United are to overturn their 2-1 deficit against Midtylland at Old Trafford later today, they'll have to do so with a rather makeshift back line. The absence of Chris Smalling means Michael Carrick starts alongside Daley Blind at the centre of defence, with Marcos Rojo unfit after a long layoff and Paddy McNair presumably deemed a worse option.
Just as concerning are the full-back positions, with youngster Guillermo Varela starting on the right, and Joe Riley coming in for the injured Cameron Borthwick-Jackson on the left. It's The Blackpool-born teenager's first start for the club.
The good news is that United's front six is arguably as strong a team as Van Gaal could field. The Morgan Schneiderlin-Ander Herrera axis has shown promise recently, while Jesse Lingard is fit to start out on the right. Juan Mata, Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial complete the team.
#mufc XI: S.Romero; Varela, Carrick, Blind, Riley; Schneiderlin, Ander Herrera; Lingard, Mata, Memphis; Martial. pic.twitter.com/DFCno75Jus
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 25, 2016
Lineup vs. @ManUtd: Andersen, Rømer, Hansen, Bodurov, Novak, Sparv, Poulsen, Olsson, Hassan, Sisto, Urena #eldk #UEL #MUNFCM
— FC Midtjylland (@fcmidtjylland) February 25, 2016