KEY POINTS

  • Manchester United plans to get the top spot by beating Fulham
  • Ole Solskjaer is considering some changes in his starting lineup
  • The Red Devils make a quick turnaround on Sunday against Liverpool

Manchester United is determined to reclaim the top spot in the English Premier League standings when the club takes on Fulham on Wednesday night at Craven Cottage.

Leicester City is currently one point ahead of the Red Devils after its impressive win over Chelsea on Tuesday.

The crucial encounter with Fulham is Manchester United’s third consecutive away game. Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to switch things up in the starting lineup, beginning from that match and carrying it over in Liverpool’s visit to Old Trafford for their FA Cup campaign on Sunday.

Solskjaer has yet to name his frontline unit for those two outings, and according to a report on the team’s official website, at least six call-ups could be in the offing--with names of Donny van de Beek and Alex Telles being mentioned.

“The boss is yet to select the same XI in back-to-back fixtures this season, with Eric Bailly, Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani dropping out of the side at Anfield after helping United win 1-0 at Burnley last week,” the article wrote.

“Those three look the likeliest to come back in when United take on Scott Parker’s improving side, while Alex Telles, Mason Greenwood and Donny van de Beek could also make a case for their inclusion, considering their reduced workload during the Christmas and New Year period."

This reported high-risk move that the respected manager is expected to carry out is seen by pundits and fans alike as plausible, especially that vital cogs such as Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes have recorded one yellow card on their respective ledgers.

With the intensity that Fulham and Liverpool bring to the field, Solskjaer cannot afford to lose one of them as his wards tend to give in to their emotions in intense situations.

“Should any of them be cautioned at the Cottage, they’ll miss next Wednesday’s clash, and with the suspension threshold rising from five to 10 yellows after this game, that may not be a risk Solskjaer is willing to take,” the statement added.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer POOL / Nick Potts