There have been suggestions the under-fire Paul Pogba is ready for a rest.
The Frenchman hit the ground running after rejoining Manchester United in the summer with virtually no pre-season following his country’s journey to the Euro 2016 final.
He’s already played 40 times for Jose Mourinho’s men this season, but form rather than fatigue is his issue at the moment.
He copped widespread flak for an underwhelming showing in United’s FA Cup exit at Chelsea, prompting a spirited defence from his manager ahead of the Rostov clash.
Mourinho is unlikely to take him out of the firing line after claiming he is ‘happy’ with his contribution.
For the midfielder - unfazed by the critics according to his boss - it is an opportunity to quieten those questioning whether the Reds got value for money for their £89million outlay.
The Rostov pitch for the first leg was more Wythenshawe Park than Wembley and the Russian authorities have since banned them from using it in domestic competition.
That is little consolation to Mourinho, who wanted the match postponed when he saw the playing surface last week.
It contributed to a 1-1 stalemate so dull TV viewers could have been forgiven for seeking out a repeat of Homes Under the Hammer on the other side.
Old Trafford won’t present the same problem and United should be free to execute their passing game and to go all out for the win.
Luke Shaw had done little wrong and a few things pretty well when he was withdrawn after around 70 minutes against Bournemouth 10 days ago.
Mourinho took him to Chelsea on Monday but did not select him in his 18-man match-day squad.
He trained away from the main group with Anthony Martial and Bastian Schweinsteiger - both recovering from injury - on Wednesday but wasn’t described as injured by the manager.
If he is fit, plenty of Reds would prefer to see him at left-back ahead of Daley Blind or Matteo Darmian.
Mourinho has all of his senior centre-backs fit with Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones all available.
Resurgent Rojo has gone from last on that list to being a regular starter. He cut an enthusiastic presence - over-enthusiastic in the eyes of Chelsea fans - at Stamford Bridge. His partnership with Jones - who is certain not to be used in midfield as he was in London - has arguably been United’s most effective.
Smalling wobbled at Chelsea while Bailly will be eager to reprise his early-season promise.
Another key decision for Mourinho.
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