Ex-Red Chris Smalling made his return from a six-week-long injury spell before being subbed off on the hour mark at the Sardegna Arena. The centre-back, who joined United in 2010 and left in 2020 following a successful loan spell in the Italian capital the previous campaign, is in contention to feature against his former side.
We could also see another familiar face at Old Trafford on Thursday, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who played a vital part in our 2016/17 Europa League success, was brought on by manager Paulo Fonseca with half an hour remaining.
It was clear that the Giallorossi had on eye on Thursday’s clash with United as several star names were rested.
Among those awarded time off were former AC Milan winger Stephan El Shaarawy and ex-Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, who scored five times against the Reds during his stay across town from 2011 to 2015.
