Manchester United are looking down the barrel of a week that could completely kill off their campaign.
Tonight’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Shrewsbury kicks off a run of three games which – if unsuccessful – could result in United crashing out of the FA Cup, Europa League and the race for Champions League qualification.
None of the 14 injured players unavailable for last Thursday’s trip to Denmark are expected to be back, although Wayne Rooney’s knee injury isn’t as bad as first thought and he could return within three weeks.
David de Gea will be absent while youngster Donald Love is cup-tied following his loan spell with Wigan.
There are no notable returns to the first-team setup other than Phil Jones, who is still not match-ready, so Louis van Gaal could select another inexperienced line-up.
Here’s how United should line up:
Sergio Romero had become a symbol for unreliability after his excellent debut against Tottenham Hotspur was followed by a string of worrying errors.
The Argentine, however, stepped in admirably against Midtjylland and was United’s only positive at the full-time whistle. He should start in goal once more.
In front of Romero, it would be a surprise if Daley Blind and Chris Smalling weren’t moved back into their respective positions at the heart of United’s defence.
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson will return after a bout of illness while Paddy McNair should be shifted to right-back.
Given the shambolic nature of United’s defensive collapse on Thursday, the inexperienced defence will need protecting.
Morgan Schneiderlin has been afforded an extended rest from starting matches of late, but now needs to return to the starting eleven alongside Michael Carrick.
Through sheer lack of options, Van Gaal should play the pair together with Juan Mata positioned just ahead of the double-pivot.
Mata was disappointing in mid-week but an excellent recent run of form warrants a starting place.
In United’s attacking three, there should be some form of rotation. Memphis Depay needs to be given a chance to play centrally during Rooney’s absence.
Many cite Anthony Martial as the best option to fill this gap, but Depay doesn’t have the workrate to play on the wings in English football.
Martial is far more willing to track back and work hard than Memphis, but United cannot write off a £19million signing.
Van Gaal needs to be more accommodating by giving Memphis the freedom to work as a centre-forward.
In addition to Martial and Memphis, Jesse Lingard should keep his place on the right due to a lack of real alternatives.
Lingard could provide a useful option on the flanks on an evening when United’s supposed superior fitness could come into play.
Possible Manchester United XI vs. Shrewsbury (4-2-3-1): Romero; McNair, Smalling, Blind, Borthwick-Jackson; Schneiderlin, Carrick; Lingard, Mata, Martial; Depay.