Manchester United travel to Belgium on Thursday night for their UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg clash against RSC Anderlecht (20:05).

The Red Devils, who comfortably defeated rock-bottom Sunderland in the Premier League standings on Sunday afternoon to move up to fifth in the league standings, are the only British team left in the European second-tier competition, having already fought off AS Saint-Etienne and FC Rostov respectively in the knockout stages.

With United still four points adrift of arch rivals and fourth placed Manchester City in the top-flight table, with a game in hand, perhaps manager Jose Mourinho’s best chance of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season is to go all out and win the Europa League.

Ahead of kick-off, the ‘Special One’ is set to welcome back Antonio Valencia to his matchday squad following an ankle injury, although number one goalkeeper David De Gea is still struggling with a hip problem.

With United determined to come away with a positive result from Belgium tomorrow night, here is THREE players that Mourinho should start to ensure his side remain on track for Europa League success…

Daley Blind

The Netherlands international replaced the heavily criticised Luke Shaw on Sunday at the Stadium of Light shortly after the hour-mark, and is likely to return to Mourinho’s starting XI tomorrow night, having started United’s last seven European ties in succession.

The versatile 27-year-old gave a solid performance against Sunderland for the final half an hour and could replace Marcos Rojo, who admittedly looked nervous dealing with Jermain Defoe at the weekend, seeing the Argentine commit some clumsy and late challenges.

Antonio Valencia

Having been an ever-present key player under Mourinho at Old Trafford this term, Valencia’s return from injury will be a massive boost for the ‘Special One’.

Fellow full-back Matteo Darmian filled in on Sunday in the Ecuadorian’s absence, but with Valencia set to pass a late fitness test, the 31-year-old is almost destined to get the nod after an impressive campaign at right-back for United – despite primarily being a winger!

Marcus Rashford

And finally, Marcus Rashford deserves a start after his impressive substitute appearance against The Black Cats.

With fellow forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic a certain starter, Mourinho may be tempted to drop a midfielder, perhaps Marouane Fellaini, after his unconvincing display as stand-in skipper on Sunday, where he lost possession frequently and couldn’t use his renowned strength to good use.

Nineteen-year-old Rashford came on for Jesse Lingard at Sunderland and netted United’s third and final strike, linking up well with Ibrahimovic to blast the ball home into the far corner for just his fourth Premier League strike this season.

With away goals proving decisive in Europe this campaign, just look at Manchester City(!), getting on the scoresheet in Anderlecht will be key for their last-four hopes.