Pogba Starts As Solskjaer Makes 4 Changes | Expected Man Utd Line-Up vs Cardiff

All eyes will be on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he takes charge of his first game as caretaker manager of Manchester United as they take on former club Cardiff City on Saturday evening. Here is the line-up I think he will go with:

Goalkeeper: It’s going to be interesting to see how Solskjaer sets-up this weekend but I think one position that’s under no doubt is who starts in goal as David De Gea is certain to retain the gloves under the new regime.

Defence: Chris Smalling is a doubt after aggravating his foot injury against Liverpool last weekend so he may not be risked on Saturday. Eric Bailly was out-of-favour under Mourinho but the Ivory Coast international could be given a chance to resurrect his career under Solskjaer.

Victor Lindelof was fit to return during the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool so he may keep his place in a back four with Phil Jones missing out. Ashley Young could be given the nod ahead of Diogo Dalot and Antonio Valencia at right-back while Man Utd will hope Luke Shaw is fit to return at left-back after missing recent games with a back issue.

Midfield: One of the big questions is whether Solskjaer will recall Paul Pogba. The Frenchman had a public feud with Mourinho but he’s undoubtedly one of Man Utd’s most talented players and Solskjaer has previously suggested he would build his team around Pogba if he was in charge at Old Trafford. Therefore, it’s safe to say Pogba will start on Saturday.

Nemanja Matic has come under criticism this season but I still think he’ll retain his place in the holding role while Solskjaer may opt for the energy of Ander Herrera over the likes of Marouane Fellaini and Fred if he plays three in midfield.

Attack: Fans are hoping Solskjaer will bring attacking football back to United and he could go with pace and energy in the final third. That may see Romelu Lukaku miss out with Marcus Rashford deployed in the central striking role.

We can only guess what system Solskjaer will use at Manchester United but Anthony Martial will be hoping to feature heavily after enduring a difficult relationship with Mourinho. The Frenchman has bags of potential and Solskjaer can hopefully unlock it by giving Martial more freedom.

Jesse Lingard could be the final part of Solskjaer’s jigsaw with the England international preferred ahead of Juan Mata. Alexis Sanchez is still out as he’s recovering from a hamstring injury but it will be interesting to see how Solskjaer uses the Chilean when he’s fully fit.

Here is how we think United will line-up: