Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United could really do with a win over Feyenoord on Thursday night to keep their chances of making the Europa League last 32 in their own hands.

The Red Devils are third in Group A having picked up two wins and two defeats in their four matches, which means that they trail joint-leaders Feyenoord and Fenerbahce by a point at the top.

Their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Thursday’s opponents back in the first game of the competition somewhat set the tone for a largely uninspiring campaign, which has seen United labour to victory over Zorya, and lose away at Fenerbahce.

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Nonetheless, Mourinho’s men have improved in the Premier League in recent weeks, with victory over Swansea prior to the international break succeeded by a 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend in a game Mourinho’s side really should have won.

Nevertheless, improved performances have given United fans increased optimism ahead of the rest of the season, and many will expect nothing less than three points on Thursday.

However, with United sixth in the Premier League and with a potentially tricky home game against West Ham on Sunday, Mourinho may make a few changes to his side, so here are THREE players who deserve an opportunity on Thursday…

Ashley Young

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Former England international Ashley Young proved with his performance against Liverpool last month just how important experience is in the big games, and United may need that again on Thursday night.

The 31-year-old may not be as good as he was when he moved to United back in 2011, but he can still do a job for the team and, with United struggling with injuries, he’s the type of player you want in your side.

Mourinho has changed his full-backs for three straight games, with Young deputising at right-back against Swansea, and he is likely to do the same again in preparation for their Premier League game against West Ham on Sunday.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

There was huge expectation surrounding the arrival of Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, such was his excellent displays for Dortmund during his three-year spell in Germany.

However, it just hasn’t happened for him in Manchester.

The 27-year-old has started just once for the Red Devils this season, which ended after 45 minutes against Manchester City back in September, and he has only appeared once since that disappointing afternoon two-and-a-half months ago.

However, he is clearly a very talented player, and needs minutes on the pitch for United to get the best out of him.

Morgan Schneiderlin

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

When Louis van Gaal secured a deal for Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin last year, it was seen as a real coup by the Dutchman, such was the interest in Schneiderlin’s services after a stunning season at St Mary’s.

And, despite being a regular at United last season, he has started just three times this season, two of which were in the EFL Cup.

United have had issues in the central midfield department this season, with Mourinho still having to rely on 36-year-old Michael Carrick to give his side control in the middle of the park.

However, it’s unlikely Carrick will play on Thursday given his exertions last weekend against Arsenal, which could open the door for Schneiderlin to build upon two substitute appearances in the last two league games by starting against Feyenoord.