Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has freshened up his Manchester United XI for the Emirates FA Cup third-round tie at Old Trafford against Reading, by making nine changes from the side that beat Newcastle in the North East on Wednesday night.
United have had an intense four matches in 12 days over the festive season since Solskjaer became caretaker manager just before Christmas.
He had six ever-presents over that gruelling period, playing David De Gea, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Marcus Rashord in the wins against Cardiff, Huddersfield, Bournemouth and Newcastle.
All six have been rested for the Reading tie. It means a first start in goal in the Solskjaer era for Sergio Romero and for Alexis Sanchez up front. The latter will be partnered by Romelu Lukaku who has scored twice in his two sub appearances against Bournemouth and Newcastle. Alexis, the 30-year-old Chilean, hasn’t started a game since November in the away win against Juventus in Turin.
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Matteo Darmian is set to partner Phil Jones at centre-back with Diogo Dalot and Ashley Young in the full-back roles. Scott McTominay makes his first appearance for Solskjaer in midfield. Academy youngsters Tahith Chong and James Garner are on the bench against the second-bottom Championship side and could make their competitive debuts.