"The first game in this group we lost at Young Boys so we need to make up for that."
It's time for the final group stage match of this season's Champions League and, even though United have already secured top spot in Group F (due to their winning head-to-head record with Villarreal), Ralf Rangnick acknowledges the requirement of revenge after defeat in Bern on matchday one under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The game is theoretically irrelevant in the scheme of things, though the United interim manager is insistent that pride is on the line. Let's be frank, he doesn't want to lose a match so early in his tenure.
Another important aspect of Wednesday evening's proceedings could be rotation to allow Rangnick to see more of his squad in a match situation. The German has already confirmed that "ambitious" Dean Henderson - reportedly prepared to leave United to gain regular playing time - will start for United. Nemanja Matic is set to captain the side, with Donny van de Beek also confirmed as a starter.
"Everybody has the chance to perform and present themselves. I am happy to give game time to quite a few of them. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know the players."
Reference was made to Jesse Lingard, who could also get a rare start. It's unlikely that headline names, such as Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, will start - this will give opportunities to those on the fringe. Mason Greenwood is yet to start since his bout of Covid-19, so there is a possibility that he may be chosen by Rangnick. Anthony Elanga is another possible inclusion given the extent to which he has impressed the new manager in training, with speculation as to whether Amad may earn his first minutes of the season.
Near enough wholesale changes are anticipated under the lights at Old Trafford, though there remain only three match fit senior centre backs eligible to feature. There was one particular player that Rangnick was keen to include, though the official Champions League squad list prohibits involvement of those not named.
"We can only play players who are on the Champions League list. For example, Phil Jones, whom I would love to give gametime on Wednesday after his long term injury. Unfortunately, he is not on the list.”
Raphael Varane has finally returned to training after over a month on the sidelines, but the meeting with Young Boys comes too soon for him; it is, however, possible that the Frenchman may return against Norwich at the weekend. Edinson Cavani is also back in training.
Rangnick said, "Expect them both in full training next week. It is also about sustainability. It would be great to have them as soon as possible, but obviously for the rest of the season."
The manager offered no update on Luke Shaw's condition after a lengthy spell of concussion, but the left back was photographed in training. Alex Telles has impressed as the Englishman's deputy, with young Alvaro Fernandez possibly another alternative to feature against Young Boys from the 'B-List' of reserve players.
Anthony Martial is the only other player (aside from Paul Pogba) who is certainly set to miss out: "Anthony trained on Saturday and half an hour after he had pain on his knee. We had a meeting with the medical department and we agreed he should try to recover. We need to make sure he reduces pain in next few days and hopefully have him back training next week."
Also by next week, and possibly by the weekend, there will be additions to Rangnick's coaching staff. During his press conference, the interim manager said, "We have decided to bring in a sport scientist with Sasha Lense, he will be introduced as soon as he has visa and work permit. I will also have another assistant coach with Chris Armas. We should have an expert for the brain - not to put them on the red sofa and holding hands with the players, but for helping the players that the brain should assist the body. Everybody in our team should think in the right way."
Back to the immediate action, and it has been a game in question over the last few weeks. At one stage, there was lots of doubt surrounding Young Boys being able to travel to Manchester given Covid-19 travel restrictions. However, a special exemption was eventually made and a neutral venue wasn't required. Unfortunately, no away fans (or Swiss media) will be in attendance at Old Trafford.
Since beating United 2-1 in Bern as the sides' Champions League campaigns got underway, Young Boys have only picked up a single point (an enthralling 3-3 draw last time out against Atalanta) and sit bottom of Group F. Although their record seems underwhelming, victory at Old Trafford would see Young Boys qualify for the Europa League knockout stage playoffs if Atalanta were to lose to Villarreal.
Domestically, Young Boys still sit fourth in the league, with a game in hand which could see them close the gap to leaders Zurich to only six points. Having trounced the competition by 31 points last season, you could be forgiven for saying the start to this campaign has been underwhelming.
Wednesday night's visitors lost to sixth-place Servette at the weekend, with David Wagner tipped to alter his lineup at Old Trafford. However, his side is limited due to the absence of seven first team players, including goalkeeper David von Ballmoos.
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