Jul 29, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Manchester United defenseman Luke Shaw (28) kicks the ball over Inter Milan defenseman Andrea Ranocchia (23) in the second half at FedEx Field. Manchester United beat Inter Milan 5-3 on penalty kicks. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
After a clinical performance against Queens Park Rangers which saw Manchester United land their first win of the season, it will be interesting to see how Louis Van Gaal lines up his side.
They were dominant against the London club but this weekend will see them travel to the King Power Stadium in what will be a tough tie against Leicester City.
Nigel Pearson’s side registered their first Premier League win against Stoke City last weekend and will be full of confidence. Leonardo Ulloa has been in fine form netting three times in four games for the Foxes. The Argentine striker was signed from Brighton this summer and will be looking to add to his tally against the Red Devils.
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Van Gaal has had a week to prepare his side for the clash with no Champions League football this season. United missed out after finishing seventh under David Moyes but will look to propel themselves back into Europe’s elite competition.
So with Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Juan Mata, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney all fit, how should we approach the game.
Well first of all no questions have to be asked about who will start in goal.
GK – David De Gea
The Spanish goalkeeper has been in fine form in the last two seasons and it will be no surprise to see him awarded a new contract. He is expected to sign a long term deal and with his age proving his best years are ahead of him, United should get a move on in securing his services.
Last year he was the clubs player of the season and he will be hoping them performances give the strikers more of an impetus to deliver.
RB – Rafael
After returning last week it was evident that the Brazilian has been missed. He performs to the best of his ability each game and is maturing year after year.
He had a shaky start when he first come into the side six years ago but has now developed into one of the best wing backs in the league.
Guaranteed to remain in the right-back position.
CB – Jonny Evans
The Northern Ireland international is set to keep his place. Evans has put in some poor displays especially the one against MK Dons this year, but when the 26 year-old is on form he’s hard to replace.
Kept a clean sheet last week and will hope to build on that.
CB – Marcos Rojo
Started left-back last week after making his United debut at Old Trafford. Played very well and looked composed for someone moving from Sporting Libson to Manchester – like Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.
Van Gaal was very happy with his performance and the Argentine will keep his place but is expected to play alongside Evans in what will be another new shaped back four.
LB – Luke Shaw debut
England youngster Luke Shaw could come in for his debut in what will be a tough game against Abner Mahrez. The 19 year-old will be tested with Mahrez cutting inside from his wide position.
Shaw signed for United this summer for £27million and will be looking to pay the club back with fine performances. He could get his first opportunity after coming through a reserve game midweek unscathed.
CM – Ander Herrera (right diamond)
Nailed on to start after showing glimpses of his magic. His box-to-box style and energy has given United fans a lift. He wants to wear the United shirt and is determined to help the club improve.
Last week saw the Spaniard score his first goal for the club and he will be hoping to have another good game alongside Daley Blind.
CM – Daley Blind
The Dutchman was close to being named Man of the Match against QPR and it was no surprise. He completed 112 passes with a completion rate of over 90%.
Helping the side in defence is key in the position he plays. He helps form the shape of the side with his positioning one of the best to watch as defensive midfielder. He allows the attackers to do their job and will provide an option should United be in risk of losing the ball. Leicester will want to keep the Eredivisie Player of the Year quiet.
CM – Angel Di Maria (left)
The best player at United this season. Only playing two games, Di Maria has been a revelation for the side. His directness, pace, agility is something that got bums off seats last weekend.
Was rightly named MOTM and he will be the man to shine should United leave with three points. Scored and assisted in the 4-0 win last week.
CAM – Juan Mata
Mata has come under fire in the last few weeks having failed to help United get three points. However, he scored last week and has now netted eight times in 10 games.
He will be happy with the arrival of Radamel Falcao and Di Maria who will now provide the playmaker with good options in the final third. Mata will want another good performance with competition for places high at the moment.
ST – Wayne Rooney
The captain of the side and the first name on the team sheet. Many may disagree with Van Gaal’s decision to make him captain but we have to live with it. He is now the third-highest scorer in the league and is searching for Bobby Charlton’s club record.
He hasn’t started the season too well but with other players around him on form, he should look to feed of that energy on Sunday.
ST – Robin van Persie
After firing United to the title in 2012, Van Persie has been quiet. He failed to deliver that form under Moyes last season but was hampered by injuries which left him close to missing the World Cup.
He now has his main man as his club coach after helping Netherlands reach the semi-finals in Brazil. Yet to score this season but once he gets fully fit will be hard to stop.
Possibility – Falcao?
The Colombian forward signed from Monaco on deadline day is one of the best strikers in the world when fit. He is recovering from a knee injury that ruled him out for eight months but is pushing for a start.
With Van Persie not at his best he could be given a rare start so early on into his time at the 20 time league champions.
Probable team (4-4-2 diamond)
De Gea
Rafael – Evans – Rojo – Shaw
Blind
Herrera – Di Maria
Mata
Rooney – Rvp