Manchester United are currently preparing for what could be a potentially defining week in their season, with Erik ten Hag's side facing off against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, before taking on West Ham United in the FA Cup fifth round just a few days later.

Prior to that, however, the Red Devils face the small task of trying to edge past La Liga leaders Barcelona in their second leg, Europa League play-off meeting at Old Trafford, with the tie finely poised following what was a thrilling 2-2 draw in Catalonia.

The Premier League side have no doubt been handed something of an advantage for that upcoming meeting with La Blaugrana set to be without the youthful, midfield pairing of Pedri and Gavi due to injury and suspension, respectively, albeit with Ten Hag still likely to be concerned with stopping the influence of compatriot - and summer target - Frenkie de Jong once again.

Although the latter man was unusually ineffective at Camp Nou in the first leg - having failed to make a single key pass on the night - the 25-year-old could well dictate the game for his side if given the chance, having been described as "incredible" and "unique" by his former Ajax boss last week.

While there may be a desire to deploy a similar system to the one which thrived away from home a week ago in order to once again limit De Jong's influence, with Casemiro, Wout Weghorst and Fred having formed something of a makeshift midfield trio, the return of both Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay may have given the United boss something to think about.

Will Scott McTominay play against Barcelona?

It could well be that it is the latter man who comes into the action following his recent injury absence, with the aforementioned Fred having been typically erratic against Leicester City at the weekend, having lost possession on 14 occasions.

If the Brazilian is to drop out, McTominay - who returned off the bench against the Foxes - could seemingly take his place in the side, with the Scotland international able to offer a powerful and imposing presence in the centre of the park.

The £60k-per-week maestro is something of a "physical monster" - as lauded by former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - with De Jong et al unlikely to relish the prospect of coming up against the 6 foot 4 brute, as he notably ranks in the top 6% among his European peers for aerial duels won.

Although the 26-year-old has his shortcomings - having been described as "not good enough" earlier this season by club legend Roy Keane - he did produce a reminder of his quality on Sunday, having won three of his five ground duels, while also recording a 100% pass accuracy rate.

Evidently a player for the big occasion - as per Sir Alex Ferguson - tomorrow's mouthwatering meeting could prove an opportune time for McTominay to showcase that he still has a role to play at the club moving forward, with the aim to make life difficult for De Jong and his midfield colleagues.