(4-3-3) Van Nistelrooy Formation to take on Porto as Caretaker – as INEOS set to officially announce Ten Hag sack later Today

Van Nistelrooy Formation will play Porto in a caretaker role (4-3-3) as INEOS is expected to formally announce Ten Hag’s dismissal later today.

Up to six players might be out of Manchester United’s lineup for their Europa League match against Porto on Thursday at the Estadio do Dragao.

The Red Devils lost to Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 at home in the Premier League on Sunday, and to make matters worse, Kobbie Mainoo was substituted out of the game in the first half due to a muscle injury, casting question on his availability for the trip to Porto.

Mason Mount, who has been sidelined with injuries, was also taken off with a cut on his head. Although he has since written on Instagram to reassure fans that he is “all good,” the midfield player and Harry Maguire, who was knocked out of the match against Spurs, will be evaluated before to kickoff.

Victor Lindelof (toe) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) have both returned to first-team training following periods of absence. The latter was not used as a substitute on Sunday, and it is unclear if the former will be prepared to join the matchday squad on Thursday. Luke Shaw (calf) and Leny Yoro (foot) stay in the treatment room.

On Thursday, Erik ten Hag—who is under a lot of pressure once more—may decide to change up his starting lineup, though the back four of Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, and Diogo Dalot might stay the same.

Mainoo’s probable absence means that Christian Eriksen or former Porto player Casemiro might partner with Manuel Ugarte in center midfield, while Bruno Fernandes, who was sent off in the loss to Spurs, can start in the number 10 position for this Europa League matchup.

Joshua Zirkzee, who squandered a few good chances in the last third on Sunday, may be replaced up top by Rasmus Hojlund if Ten Hag decides that the recently injured player is ready to play, while Amad Diallo and Antony will continue to compete with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford for starts on the wings.

Possible starting lineup for Manchester United: Onana; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund; Eriksen, Ugarte; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot