Manchester United will host CSKA Moscow on Tuesday at Old Trafford knowing that only a win would keep them in a secure place in Group B. With 4 points each; both these sides are well and truly in contention for promotion to the knockout stages. They shared a stalemate in their earlier meeting this Season when a first half Seydou Doumbia goal was cancelled out by Anthony Martial in the 2nd half.
Here are 5 Players who will miss this fixture for the Red Devils.
1. Memphis Depay
Even though the Dutchman is recently backed by Louis Van Gaal to recover his best form, a slight knock means that Depay will not feature against CSKA Moscow. His absence might prove to be a big blow for Red Devils as Depay would have substituted the out-of-form Wayne Rooney in the Manchester United starting 11.
Having made just one start for Manchester United in the whole of last month, the 21-year old was growing frustrated due to lack of game time. This unfortunate injury means that he will spell more time on the sidelines. Ashley Young has recovered from his injury and might feature in place of Depay in this game.
2. Antonio Valencia
At a time when the Italian full-back Matteo Darmian is under-performing, the absence of Antonio Valencia could be a huge blow to the Red Devils. Darmian has been unable to regain his form after the horror show at Emirates, and his miseries have been compounded of late by Louis Van Gaal. The Dutch manager kept him out of the Manchester City game, and Darmian was also subbed out on the hour mark against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Thus, with Valencia out injured, the form of Matteo Darmian might again come under severe scrutiny once again.
3. Paddy McNair
A player who has made just one appearance for Manchester United this Season, it is safe to say that the absence of McNair might not be too concerning for the Red Devils. He burst into scene last Season with a series of brilliant performances. However, a combination of injury and bad luck has kept him away from action this Season.Thus with McNair out injured, Phil Jones is the most likely player to take his place in the Manchester United back four.
4. James Wilson
Even if he would have been available for selection, James Wilson would have needed a minor miracle to feature in this game. With the future of Manchester United in this competition at stake, Louis Van Gaal would have gone for far more experienced options in Martial and Rooney.
5. Luke Shaw
While many players could be designated as unlucky, a mere glance at Luke Shaw’s career seems a practical example of that. Even though he was a consistent starter for Manchester United last Season, his performances were far from convincing for the Old Trafford faithful.
Like the minority of Manchester United players this Season, Luke Shaw is like a newborn at Old Trafford if you look at his performances. He has earned applause from all corners of the Old Trafford courtesy to his early Season performances, however, with his horrific leg break injury against PSV Eindhoven, this Season is potentially over for the full back.
