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Solskjaer to make changes ahead of Europa League opener

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that he will make a number of changes for Manchester United’s Europa League opener against FC Astana on Thursday evening.

Having finished sixth in the Premier League last season, United will once again play in Europe’s second tier tournament, although they were handed a relatively favourable draw, with AZ Alkmaar and Partizan Belgrade the other teams in Group L.

After their less than convincing start to the 2019/20 campaign, winning just two of their five league games, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has announced he will be using the game against the Kazakhstani champions to give opportunities to some of the lesser-used members of his squad, including centre-back Axel Tuanzebe and talented youngster, Mason Greenwood.

“He (Axel) is going to start,” the Manchester United boss said in his pre-match press conference.

“We’ve got a big squad, pre-season went really well.

“Axel is one who didn’t make the starting XI so now it is a chance for them to get some minutes.

“We will see the sue of the squad more, there will be some young ones tomorrow. Greenwood will play definitely.

The Norwegian also suggested that £52 million midfielder Fred will start to see more game time following his decent cameo against Leicester at the weekend, which was the first time the Brazilian had even made a matchday squad all season.

“He has been patient, he has been working hard,” Solskjaer added.

“He is not a young boy, but he is young in his English career.

“I am sure we will see more and more of him. He’s had some great games in midfield so we are just waiting.”

Solskjaer also confirmed that Diogo Dalot and Jesse Lingard are ready to return, though Anthony Martial, Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw and Dan James all missed Wednesday’s training session.

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