Manchester United return to Europa League action on Thursday when they face FC Rostov in the first leg of their last 16 clash (6pm kick-off).

Jose Mourinho’s men breezed past Saint-Etienne 4-0 on aggregate in the last 32 to get to this stage of the competition, and they have been rewarded with a trip to FC Rostov in the first leg on Thursday.

Rostov are currently fifth in the Russian Premier League having won just two of their last five league games, yet finished third in their Champions League group this term ahead of PSV Eindhoven to qualify for the Europa League.

The stand-out moment of their Champions League campaign was beating five-times champions Bayern Munich 3-2 at home, which is a clear indication of their ability, and something Mourinho is sure to be aware of ahead of Thursday’s clash.

However, United have been in fine form for a while now, and stretched their unbeaten Premier League run to 17 games following a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Saturday.

The League Cup winners are still in the race for the top four as well as the FA Cup, so Mourinho is likely to make a few changes to his side in Rostov, so here are THREE players who deserve a chance in the Europa League on Thursday…

Matteo Darmian

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Luke Shaw was given a chance at left-back in United’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Saturday, which could mean that Matteo Darmian is given an opportunity against Rostov.

The Italian international hasn’t featured for the Red Devils since their 2-1 victory over Blackburn in the FA Cup last month, and has only appeared five times for the club since the turn of the year, in which time United have played 15 games.

However, with United still in the race for the top four as well as the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Monday, Mourinho needs all members of his squad to contribute, and with Darmian having played three times in Europe this term, he may well get another start on Thursday.

Marouane Fellaini

Photo: Charlotte Wilson

United may need a big midfield presence against the Russian side on Thursday, which could mean a recall for Belgian international Marouane Fellaini.

The 29-year-old came off the bench against Bournemouth at the weekend, and started both of United’s last-32 games against Saint Etienne in the previous round of the Europa League.

And with United away at Premier League leaders Chelsea on Monday night in the FA Cup, Mourinho is likely to shuffle his pack in Russia, so expect Fellaini to play a big part against Rostov on Thursday.

Marcus Rashford

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic facing a domestic ban following an altercation with Bournemouth’s Tyrone Mings on Saturday, he may start upfront against Rostov on Thursday.

Thus, Mourinho may need Marcus Rashford to lead the line against Chelsea on Monday, which likely means that he’ll play some part against Rostov to make sure he is match-ready against the Blues.

The England international last started for the Red Devils in their last-32 away leg at Saint Etienne, and he hasn’t scored since netting in the FA Cup triumph at Blackburn last month.

The 19-year-old is slightly out of favour in the Premier League, such is Ibrahimovic’s form, yet he is always in and around the squad, and he may be given a start on Thursday in a bid to ready him for Monday’s clash at Stamford Bridge.