The build-up to Wednesdays game was dominated by news of Jadon Sancho’s likely arrival and Sanchez’s imminent exit.
If the Sancho deal eventually happens, the England wide-man will be competing with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood for the forward spots.
And it would mean fewer opportunities for the pair who started in the wide positions against LASK, both of whom scored in the first leg.
Juan Mata cost United a then club record £37.1m when David Moyes signed him from Chelsea in January 2014. Mata’s arrival in a helicopter was memorable and he has enjoyed moments of success.
However, at 32, it is hard to see him making much of an impact on Solskjaer’s side given the pace they play with. Mata has scored three times this season but has made just two 10-minute substitute appearances since the resumption, which says a lot.
Mata’s ability has never revolved around pace. He prefers to play with his brain and, going about his business largely unnoticed, he ended the evening with two excellent assists, which showed his passing range.
It took a long, straight pass to send Lingard through. The one he found Martial with was shorter – but equally precise.
United sources have admitted they took a punt on Daniel James, who signed last summer for £15m from Swansea after a recommendation from Ryan Giggs.
The 22-year-old has age as well as time on his side. But the Welshman looks a shadow of the player who made such a blistering start to his United career, scoring three goals in his first four appearances.
Had he shown more conviction, James might have been able to reach Brandon Williams’ low second-half cross. Instead, it evaded him and the rest of the game passed without a significant contribution.
A total 54 minutes in five substitute appearances since starting the first game since lockdown at Tottenham on 19 June does not hint at James playing an integral role when United head to Germany looking to win their first trophy in three seasons.
