Erik ten Hag has slim pickings ahead of Manchester United 's Europa League clash with Sheriff Tiraspol.
The Red Devils have jetted off to Moldova to face the native champions without Marcus Rashford, Antony Martial, Aaron-Wan Bissaka and Donny van de Beek. Sheriff, who last season memorably beat Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League, now find themselves in Europe's second-rate competition this term alongside United, but the two teams come into the fixture in contrasting form.
Last Thursday, Ten Hag and co produced a limp performance and lost 1-0 at Old Trafford against Spanish side Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, Sheriff got off to a winning start by beating Cypriot outfit Omonia Nicosia 3-0 away from home following an unbeaten start to their domestic season.
The Red Devils are now plotting a response to the opening-game defeat and Ten Hag is set to opt for a strong starting XI. That's not only because United began their Group E campaign with a whimper, but also the fact that they won't play another match until after the international break.
Having seen their visit to Crystal Palace on Sunday postponed due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, this weekend's clash with Leeds has also been called off. It's a result of local police forces bring strained during the period of national mourning.
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As far as Thursday night goes, however, the Red Devils are ready to go with goalkeeper David de Gea set to retain his place between the posts. Ten Hag is then expected to revert to his trusted back line which has given United the foundation to win their last four Premier League games. That'd see captain Harry Maguire dropped after his unconvincing return to action against Real Sociedad.
In midfield next to Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay should replace new signing Casemiro, who struggled on his first start for the Red Devils last time out. Bruno Fernandes was brought on at half-time during the loss, just as Jadon Sancho did later in the miserable evening.
Antony is once again set to start on the right flank, while Cristiano Ronaldo is all but certain to get the nod, despite a woeful display when Real Sociedad came to town and still no goals this season.
Ahead of the tie, which will be played at the Zimbru Stadium in nearby Chisnau instead of Sheriff's base, Transnistria - a breakaway region not recognised internationally - Ten Hag warned his team of the test that they'll face. "It's quite clear, they beat Real Madrid and Shakhtar [Donestk], they are capable," the United manager told a pre-match news conference.
"We have to make it our game but we are conscious of that fact. They are a serious and decent opponent and we have to play our best for the win."
Ten Hag also gave an update on Rashford's injury. "No, I don't think [he will be out] too long," he confirmed. "But I cannot tell how long. It's not really bad and we expect him to be back quite soon."
