Sergio Romero is set to come in for David de Gea while Odion Ighalo will return to the starting lineup when Manchester United face Derby County in the FA Cup.

Manchester United will be hoping to set up a quarter-final date with Norwich City when they lock horns with Derby County at the Pride Park Stadium in the FA Cup fifth round on Thursday night. And, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a couple of fresh injury concerns to deal with ahead of his side’s latest fixture.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is struggling with a minor lower back injury, sustained over the course of the 1-1 draw with Everton last weekend. During his pre-match press conference, Solskjaer provided an update on Wan-Bissaka, as well as Daniel James, both of whom are expected to miss out against Derby County.

“Yeah [James will] probably miss out on this one as well and Marcus and Paul are still out and I think Aaron might be struggling. He’s got a test today, but he struggled in our last game against Everton with his back, so he might be out.”

Sergio Romero and Diogo Dalot are set to return to the starting lineup against Derby County. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Sergio Romero and Diogo Dalot are set to return to the starting lineup against Derby County. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

With Wan-Bissaka likely to miss out, Diogo Dalot will start as the right-back. On the opposite flank, Luke Shaw could be given a rest, with Brandon Williams coming into the team in his stead. At the heart of the Manchester United defence, Eric Bailly is expected to return, replacing Victor Lindelof as Harry Maguire’s partner.

As for who starts in goal, Sergio Romero is the usual choice in cup competitions ahead of David de Gea. During his presser, Solskjaer was posed the question about who between Romero and de Gea will start in against Derby County, but the Manchester United manager was coy in his reply.

“Well it’s not a given [that he’ll play], of course, but Sergio has done well in the games he has played, definitely. But I have no qualms about playing David in every game to be fair, because what he’s done and his performances they’ve been great.”Manchester United

Romero should get the nod over de Gea, who will likely be on the bench in the absence of the injured Lee Grant. In front of Romero, Solskjaer should line his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the direct result of which should see Nemanja Matic drop out of the side to get a breather, with Scott McTominay and Fred starting in the midfield double pivot.

Up ahead in attack, Bruno Fernandes could start once again despite the need for a possible rest. Fernandes will play off Odion Ighalo, who will make his Manchester United debut in the FA Cup. Ighalo will spearhead the attack against Derby County and will be supported by the wide duo of Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard.

Manchester United Predicted XI: Romero; Dalot, Bailly, Maguire, Williams; McTominay, Fred; Mata, Fernandes, Lingard; Ighalo

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