FIRST REAL TEST
How Man Utd could line up for Carrick’s first game in charge with Van de Beek and Sancho given chance against Villarreal
MANCHESTER UNITED begin life without Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when Michael Carrick takes charge against Villarreal on Tuesday.
Less than 48 hours after the Norwegian's sacking, the Red Devils face a crucial Champions League clash as they look to avoid a group stage exit for the second season in a row.
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Caretaker manager Carrick will take charge for their trip to the LaLiga side with Man Utd currently top of Group F, level on points with Villarreal and two above Atalanta.
It is difficult to know how Carrick will choose to line up for the game, but he did indicate in his pre-match press conference that there will not be wholesale change.
When asked what alterations can be expected on Tuesday night, Carrick said: "We will have to wait and see really.
"I worked with Ole closely, similar beliefs as a coach and manager. Got my own personality but it is very similar because that is why we worked together.
"I'm not giving my plans away but I am very clear in my own mind."
Despite the humiliating 4-1 defeat to Watford on Saturday afternoon, there were one or two positives for United to take away from the game.
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Outcast Donny van de Beek produced his best 45 minutes in a red shirt as he came on at half-time and scored their only goal of the game.
He also provided a couple of sumptuous passes in the build-up to United's best chances.
Jadon Sancho also appeared to be finding his feet for the first time since arriving in the Premier League.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund man crossed for Cristiano Ronaldo to nod down for Van de Beek in what was a well-worked goal.
Van de Beek and Sancho could be rewarded for their impressive performances with a starting place in Europe.
Alex Telles is also expected to start as an out-of-form Luke Shaw takes a step away from the starting XI following another poor display.
Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Raphael Varane and Mason Greenwood all remain unavailable for selection.
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Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof will fight for the place alongside Harry Maguire in the centre of defence.
Fred, Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay will all be hoping to play with Van de Beek in midfield if the Dutchman is trusted by Carrick.
And then the interim boss also has to decide whether Jesse Lingard is an option ahead of Marcus Rashford - or whether he comes in for Sancho despite the £73million man's positive display at Vicarage Road.
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