Talking Points: CSKA Moscow v United

Manchester United will take on CKSA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League tonight and, as ever, there is plenty to discuss ahead of kick-off. Here are six key talking points for Reds…

1: BATTLE TO TOP GROUP A
United made an excellent start to the European campaign by recording a 3-0 win over FC Basel at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford. That victory has put the Reds on top of Group A on goal difference after CSKA shocked everybody by registering a shock 2-1 away win against Portuguese giants Benfica. As such, the result in Russia this week will determine which of the teams will sit in first place heading into matchday three.

2: FOUR INJURIES FOR UNITED
Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba have not travelled to Moscow, which has added further intrigue into Jose Mourinho’s plans for central midfield. Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera are most likely to start, but Scott McTominay also has a chance of featuring after boarding the plane.

Meanwhile, Phil Jones has also remained in Manchester due to a slight injury that he picked up against Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday. That suggests Eric Bailly could make his Champions League debut alongside one of Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof or Axel Tuanzebe.

3: WHO WILL BE CAPTAIN?
With regular skippers Carrick and Antonio Valencia at home, as well as previous leaders Pogba and Fellaini, it will be interesting to see who wears the armband against CSKA. David De Gea and Smalling have previously worn it on occasion, while Herrera could also be an outside choice.

4: JOSE COY ON MICKI
Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored in four Europa League away matches last season, as well as the decider during the final that was officially played on ‘neutral’ territory in Stockholm, Sweden. Yes, his form on the continent is excellent, however the boss has refused to confirm if he was start tonight.

“Mkhitaryan does the press conference because he speaks Russian,” Jose told reporters on Tuesday afternoon. “I’m not saying that he starts. Maybe he does, maybe he doesn’t.” Watch this space…

5: A TROPHY-SHAPED VENUE
CSKA have built a new stadium since United were last in town two years ago, back in December 2015. It is called the VEB Arena and, amazingly, it sits in the shadow of a skyscraper that has been designed to resemble the UEFA Europa League trophy in tribute to the Russian club's 2005 triumph.

6: TOUGH TRIP FOR REDS
Around 600 Reds supporters will complete the long journey to Moscow, after completing the detailed process of gaining VISAs and working out travel arrangements. It will, of course, conjure memories of the club's 2008 Champions League final success in the Russian capital and provides another new stadium for fans to visit. Make no mistake, though, this is one for the hardcore Reds.