Squad options open to Jose Mourinho.

Team news for AC Milan clash

Wednesday 25 July 2018 12:33

Manchester United's International Champions Cup campaign begins with a match against AC Milan (kick-off on Thursday at 04:05 BST) , at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

The Reds will appreciate the test against the Serie A side and could decide to field quite an experienced line-up, rather than start some of the youngsters who have had a chance to impress so far during Tour 2018, presented by Aon.

Manager Jose Mourinho is still waiting on reinforcements to his squad, with David De Gea and Fred due to fly in this week, while Nemanja Matic is back in training but unlikely to be drafted into the line-up yet.

Matteo Darmian could replace skipper Antonio Valencia at right-back.

Joel Pereira and new boy Lee Grant have been sharing goalkeeping duties, with both catching the eye and enhancing their prospects of another start.

Captain Antonio Valencia picked up what appeared to be a calf injury during the opening exchanges of the 0-0 draw with San Jose Earthquakes, and looks certain to miss out. Matteo Darmian replaced him in the friendly and could perhaps be expected to get the nod at right-back, even if Tim Fosu-Mensah and Axel Tuanzebe are other options.

There could be a place for Tuanzebe in the side after he performed well when coming on in Santa Clara, either in defence or acting as a screen in midfield - a role he has performed before - depending on the tactics employed by the boss.

There are experienced campaigners available in defence, such as Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Luke Shaw, while if the manager decides to call upon his senior figures, then Spanish duo Ander Herrera and Juan Mata could expect to feature. Whatever happens, there is likely to be some sprinkling of youth in the XI. Andreas Pereira has pleased Jose with his contribution in the first two games and is growing into his role with his proactive passing.

Scott McTominay is ahead of some of the other youngsters in terms of first-team experience and, after coming off the bench last time out, he might be introduced in midfield in Matic's continued absence. Alexis Sanchez hit the ground running on Sunday night and it will be interesting to see if he starts out wide or down the middle, again depending on the system used and whether Anthony Martial continues in a central attacking position.

Milan v United - All the essential info

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We look ahead to the action at the StubHub Center, where the Reds will face AC Milan in the International Champions Cup.

If Jose does opt for a more senior line-up to begin the game against the Rossoneri, he would still have plenty of youthful options on the bench - including James Garner and Tahith Chong, who both started the San Jose clash. Several members of the squad - Ro-Shaun Williams, Ethan Hamilton and Joshua Bohui - are still to see some game time in the United States.

Milan look likely to field Gianluigi Donnarumma, Leonardo Bonucci, Suso and Fabio Borini in their line-up.

The AC Milan match is being shown live on MUTV as the tour continues.

United's youngsters may be options to come off the bench at the StubHub Center.