Manchester United prepare to take on Burnley on Wednesday, hoping to get back to winning ways after their dismal effort against West Ham at the weekend.
After Sunday’s awful performance saw them steal a draw against the high-flying Londoners thanks to a late strike from Dutchman Daley Blind. After being criticized of playing long-balls to the front man, Van Gaal admitted after the game that he may need to adopt a more physical approach to games. However, with today’s opposition struggling for points Van Gaal may decide to save the physical approach for a later day.
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The goalkeeper position is unquestionable and it’s highly unlikely to change for tomorrow. David De Gea’s agent admitted he is in negotiations with the club over an extension to the player’s contract and he’s certain to keep Victor Valdes waiting for his debut even longer.
In defender, Antonio Valencia returned to good form on Sunday in the right-back position. After an underwhelming month which saw him questionably named as Player of the Month at the club, Tony V made some vital interceptions and crucial tackles to ensure United stayed in the game. Despite McNair’s contract renewal and fantastic performance against Cambridge, Van Gaal is likely to continue with the Ecuadorian at full-back after Rafael Da Silva featured for the Under 21’s yet again on Monday night.
Phil Jones is likely to continue in central defence and Marcos Rojo will surely keep his place in the team. However the Argentine is likely to switch to left full-back for the night, after Luke Shaw’s red card against the Hammers made him unavailable for the clash at Old Trafford. Chris Smalling should come into the side to fill that gap, although Van Gaal may look at Jonny Evans to keep the left foot-right foot balance he loves so much.
After his weekend heroics, Blind will start in defensive midfield once again. Despite a poor first-half performance, which Van Gaal mentioned post-game, Blind is key to Van Gaal’s philosophy. His passing and energy are key to the defensive record Van Gaal’s side have accumulated this season, where they haven’t conceded more than one goal in a game since October’s 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion.
Marouane Fellaini will unquestionably come into the side though. The Belgian came off the bench and helped United secure their point with his height causing problems for West Ham’s defenders. He’s often been a good outlet for Van Gaal’s side this season and with Sunday’s poor performance fresh in the mind he is likely to come straight in at the expense of his fellow countryman Adnan Januzaj.
Fans are still calling for Ander Herrera’s inclusion in the side and more-so after the lack of creativity from midfield in recent games. Despite Wayne Rooney’s poor performances in a deep midfield role, Van Gaal explained that the Spaniard must improve before he’s selected and that makes it even more likely that he will persist with his captain in central midfield.
Juan Mata missed the game at the weekend and his creativity was missed between the lines. His home form this season has been wonderful throughout the campaign and he’s likely to return to the starting line-up for this game. Despite his lack of pace, the guile that Mata possesses plus his ability to keep possession in tight situations could be useful against a Burnley side likely to sit back.
Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao were both awful against the Hammers on Sunday, turning in awful performances between them. Both struggled to link up with each other and both missed good chances when one on one with Adrian. While neither player deserves to feature on Wednesday night, I expect the Dutchman to keep his place in the side. James Wilson’s been in good form for United and been a willing runner in every game so far this season but with Angel Di Maria the superstar in the team, it’s possible that Van Gaal will revert to playing the Argentine in an advanced striker role.
While it wouldn’t be a popular decision, Van Gaal would have it all this side. He’d have the ability to switch players around positionally while also having a mix of strength, guile, pace and power in his side.
Credit: sharemytactics.com
Credit: sharemytactics.com