Manchester United possible starting XI vs West Ham?
Manchester United take on West Ham United tomorrow in the Premier League and will be hoping to win in order to close the gap on the top four rivals.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea are all above United as the race for the Champions League places heats up with the season settling in.
United have many injuries to deal with and Louis Van Gaal admitted yesterday that he has nine players out which means changes will be made. Three defenders are out giving one of Tom Thorpe or Paddy McNair the chance to make a name for themselves, so we take a look at how we could line-up.
GK – David De Gea
After conceding five last week, De Gea will be hoping for a clean sheet against the London side. His performance wasn’t bad last weekend but the fact he conceded five means he will want to improve on that.
Could be our number one for many years to come if not prized away by an offer from Real Madrid or Barcelona in the future.
RB – Rafael
The Brazilian has returned in the last two weeks and made us a different side. His ability to break down the wing and provide decent crosses is exactly what United fans have been waiting for.
Antonio Valencia doesn’t provide that threat as much nowadays and the 24 year-old’s return has been welcomed by all. Ignore the penalty mistake last week, it was never a foul.
CB – Tom Thorpe
It is expected that Thorpe will get the nod over McNair. The pair have been battling it out in training but Thorpe,who has the experience of captaining the youth side, is just ahead in the pecking order it would seem. The 21 year-old is set to make his Premier League debut and he will hoping to deliver as chances at Old Trafford don’t come around too often.
CB – Marcos Rojo
The Argentine has played at left-back recently but will move inside due to the injuries to Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans. At Sporting Lisbon he played as a central defender and he will have to be a the top of his game in order to keep West Ham out. Could be our weakest defensive partnership for many yrs with Rojo stronger as a wing back.
LB – Luke Shaw
One plus tomorrow is that we will see the debut of Luke Shaw. The 19 year-old teenager signed this summer for upwards of £27million and he will hoping to impress infront of the 75,000 fans. He has the potential to be one of the best left-backs in the world and hopefully this is the start of his journey.
CM – Daley Blind
Assured and composed, Blind will anchor the midfield tomorrow. His passing and know how of what Louis Van Gaal wants is something that gives the Dutchman the edge. He knows the formation and will give United’s attackers the freedom to go up the pitch. Looked good on his debut against Queens Park Rangers and will hoping for the same here.
CM – Ander Herrera
The Spaniard has settled in more than alright at United ans scored two goals in his three appearances. He spoke this week about idolising Paul Scholes and he has a long way to go before matching his record. However, at 25 years of age he is a good signing and we are all impressed by what he has offered so far. Box-to-box and scores goals as well as finding a pass, complete midfielder.
CM – Angel Di Maria
The record signing is perhaps the first name on the team sheet alongside Wayne Rooney. The best player to grace the United shirt since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Di Maria has brought new life to United.
His tendency to run with the ball at pace and commit defenders reminds many of Ryan Giggs. at £59m – a league record – Di Maria could be the most important player to us especially in the big domestic games.
CAM – Juan Mata
The 26 year-old was dropped last weekend and is expected to return. Not because of last weeks defeat but because the opposition in West Ham like to defend with numbers behind the ball and he could provide that ball to open up the defence.
He currently has eight goals in 11 games and will be looking to add to his tally.
ST – Wayne Rooney (C)
The captain and like Van Gaal said the player with privileges. Rooney has been frustrating to watch at times but his hunger and desire to win will never be matched.
Likely to play as a striker tomorrow, Rooney will be hoping to add to his goal collection as he chases the club record.
ST – Radamel Falcao
The Colombian looked a threat last weekend and most fans will want him to start tomorrow. Getting back match fit is what the striker is hoping for and games will allow him to do this. On his day the best striker in the world and we will hopefully see many glittering performances from our new number nine.
Hopefully he can open his account for United tomorrow.
SCORE PREDICTION
Manchester United 3 – 1 West Ham United