Potential Manchester United XI vs Southampton
Manchester United return to Premier League action this weekend following a ten-day break from the division when they play host to top four challengers Southampton on Sunday afternoon.
Unbeaten in eleven games in all competitions, United come into the game full of confidence and with players returning from injury. Southampton come into the game after dispatching of Arsenal 2-0 in their previous Premier League game but having only managed a draw at home to Ipswich in the FA Cup 3rd round.
With the news of Victor Valdes signing an 18-month deal at Old Trafford, there is talk that he could make his debut at Old Trafford this Sunday with Louis Van Gaal keen to see him in action once again. This is unlikely though and I expect David De Gea to keep his place as No.1 goalkeeper of Manchester United for the remainder of the season.
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Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young have been ruled out of Sunday’s game through injury meaning Louis Van Gaal could revert to the more popular selection of a four-man defence. Rafael suffered a fractured cheekbone against Yeovil last week and underwent successful surgery following the game. The Brazilian posted on his Instagram account a picture from his hospital bed, with the caption revealing the defender would return to training on Friday after being cleared to play with a special face-mask to protect the injury.
If Van Gaal chooses to go with the four-man defence, Rafael could well start. If the boss decides to stick with his unpopular 3-5-2 formation, young Jesse Lingard could be in with a shout on the right hand side. Lingard started the opening game of the season at left-wing back in a surprise decision by Van Gaal, before being forced off in the first half with a knee injury. That injury has kept him out for the whole season so far, although he made a long awaited return to the substitutes bench at the weekend in the FA Cup, although he didn’t make it on to the pitch.
Luke Shaw also went off against Yeovil but the former Saints defender has been passed fit after a scan showed no further damage to his ankle. Whether Van Gaal goes with a four or three man defence, Luke Shaw is certain to start in the left-back berth. Daley Blind, who has been missing for two months with a knee injury, is set to make a return to the match-day squad after training with the first team for the last two weeks. It’s likely that Van Gaal will start his fellow Dutchman on the bench on Sunday, with the intention to give him some minutes if the opportunity arises.
In central defence, Chris Smalling completed 90 minutes against Yeovil and looks to have fully recovered from his groin injury. He’s likely to be partnered in defence by Phil Jones and possibly Jonny Evans too if Van Gaal persists with the 3-5-2. Tyler Blackett impressed once again last weekend, while McNair’s rapid rise continued as he completed 90 minutes despite a huge head wound causing the Northern Irishman to need staples in the wound.
Michael Carrick will return to the starting line-up after being rested for the FA Cup tie at Huish Park. Manchester United are still unbeaten since Carrick’s return to the starting eleven and Van Gaal has previously expressed how important the English midfielder is to his side.
Credit: manutd.com
Ander Herrera impressed once again on his return to the starting line-up against Yeovil, scoring a wonder goal from outside the penalty area to break the deadlock. With Marouane Fellaini still missing with a broken rib, Herrera could continue in that midfield role alongside Carrick.
Should Manchester United go with a diamond in midfield it’s likely Angel Di Maria will fill that void on the left hand side. While Wayne Rooney has performed admirably in the center of midfield during the injury crisis, Di Maria’s return offers pace and guile in the center of the pitch and would thus allow Rooney to move further up-field, where he prefers to be. That would of course mean that one of Juan Mata, Robin van Persie or Radamel Falcao would miss out.
Juan Mata is the most likely of the three, with his form blowing hot and cold recently. Despite his excellent form at Old Trafford, Rooney’s all-around game along with the striking proficiency of Falcao and van Persie make them a better fit for the game against Southampton, where United are unlikely to get as much space as Mata would like. With Mata missing out it would also allow for more flexibility tactically during the game, which is something Van Gaal is a big fan of.
One other option is that all five star attackers play, with Ander Herrera missing out. Wayne Rooney could continue in midfield alongside Angel Di Maria, with Juan Mata at the tip of the diamond and Falcao partnering van Persie up top. While an attractive option on paper, it’s highly unlikely that Van Gaal would go with this team due to it’s top heavy nature in attack.
While it’s tough to pick a team totally, it’s great to have options again.
Credit: sharemytactics.com
Credit: sharemytactics.com
Do you agree with our predicted team?