Manchester United face Young Boys in their final Champions League group stage game on Wednesday. Having assured themselves of the first spot in the group, United have nothing to play for in this game, so we can expect Rangnick to make several changes. Rangnick has already confirmed that Dean Henderson and Donny Van de Beek will be starting the game along with Nemanja Matic who will be captaining. This will be a very important game for Van de Beek as the 4-2-2-2 formation Rangnick employed against Crystal Palace doesn’t exactly suit the Dutchman.
Ralf Rangnick confirms to @ManUtd media that Nemanja Matic will be captain tomorrow.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) December 7, 2021
Man United’s predicted 4-2-2-2 formation against Young Boys
It will also be an opportunity for players like Jesse Lingard, Mason Greenwood and Eric Bailly to show the new manager that they should be featuring more often in the first team. Unfortunately for Anthony Martial, he is out injured for this game and will not be in the squad.
Rangnick: "We need to make sure he reduces pain in next few days and hopefully have him back training next week." #mulive https://t.co/d5MJz939rq
— utdreport (@utdreport) December 7, 2021
Rangnick: "Everybody has the chance to perform and present themselves. I am happy to give game time to quite a few of them tomorrow — perfect opportunity to get to know the players." #mulive
— utdreport (@utdreport) December 7, 2021
Because Rangnick has such a unique tactical style and philosophy compared to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, several players who were not featuring under the previous manager have a chance to impress and make themselves first-team regulars. We have already seen how well Dalot and Telles have adapted to the 4-2-2-2 formation. Dalot on current form might even displace Aaron Wan-Bissaka as United’s first choice right back. Rangnick’s formation demands the full-backs to play high and support United’s attackers, something which Wan-Bissaka has always struggled with.
