ANALYSIS KEY ISSUES FOR REDS

RASHFORD TO SETTLE FOR A WIDE BERTH

ZLATAN Ibrahimovic did not hesitate in joining in with the applause for Marcus Rashford when the teenager was subbed after a remarkable display against Chelsea.

The Swede is top of the scoring charts by some distance, but in his absence United were much more lethal in attack.

Jose Mourinho’s team selection against Chelsea was partly motivated by a desire to rest players for Anderlecht, and even though United turned in their best performance of the season without Ibrahimovic, the summer signing is almost certain to return up top. Rashford is likely to be shifted out wide as a consequence.

But the academy graduate’s display at the weekend should have sparked Ibrahimovic’s competitive spirit and he must know a big performance is required.

MARTIAL’S STOCK CONTINUES TO FALL

ANTHONY Martial did not make the match day squad against Chelsea, and Mourinho compared him with Rashford unfavourably ahead of the clash with Anderlecht.

The Frenchman’s form has been patchy this season, but his manager’s comments are more damning.

In Mourinho’s mind, Rashford is a better example of what he expects from a player under his charge at United than Martial does, and it would be a surprise to see the 21-year-old start.

Martial was United’s top scorer last season, but is an increasingly peripheral figure under Mourinho.

THREE AT THE BACK TO CONTINUE

THE decision to match Chelsea’s formation at Old Trafford at the weekend produced a tactical masterclass from Mourinho.

As well as being key to a brilliant result, it also proved that fielding a total of five defenders does not necessarily have to mean a defensive display.

United were exciting at Old Trafford, played at a high intensity and looked dangerous going forward as well as stifling the opposition.