Manchester United return to European action on Thursday night as they host AZ Alkmaar in their final Europa League group game.

A win or a draw will see United claim top spot in Group L, but defeat will ensure they finish second behind the visitors ahead of Monday's last-32 draw.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to make wholesale changes to the team that beat City on Saturday, with Sunday's visit of Everton the clear priority.

United are five points off fourth place in the Premier League having collected three wins and two draws from their last five Premier League games.

Sergio Romero is expected to start against Alkmaar, with full-backs Ashley Young and Brandon Williams likely to come in to the side in place of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw.

Axel Tuanzebe started in Astana and should return to the team. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are expected to be rested, so Phil Jones could be recalled for the first time since his Sheffield United horror show.

Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly are unavailable due to injury.

In midfield, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed Nemanja Matic will feature and he should be partnered by highly rated teenager James Garner because Paul Pogba remains sidelined and Scott McTominay needs wrapping up in cotton wool for Sunday.

The front four will likely be comprised of Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong, Mason Greenwood and A. N. Other.

Jesse Lingard is carrying a knock and Daniel James, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial will all play against Everton, so Juan Mata is a likely starter.

Predicted United team vs AZ Alkmaar:

Starting XI: Romero; Young, Tuanzebe, Jones, Williams; Garner, Matic; Mata, Gomes, Chong; Greenwood