Potential Manchester United XI vs Preston

Manchester United head to Preston for their third away tie in the FA Cup this season, after an unimpressive 3-1 against Burnley on Wednesday night.

The Premier League side currently sit in 3rd place behind Manchester City and Chelsea but while their pursuit of Champions League football is the main concern for fans this season, Louis Van Gaal has openly stated that winning the FA Cup is his number one priority.

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Van Gaal himself has named strong sides against Yeovil and Cambridge (twice) and the trend is likely to continue on Monday night, with a place in this season’s quarter-final up for grabs.

David De Gea is the only goalkeeper that Louis Van Gaal has named in goal since the season began back in August. The Spaniard has played and finished every single game this season and it could be time for a rest. Victor Valdes was signed in January on a free transfer and has featured in games for the under 21’s on a few occasions. He could now be ready to make his competitive debut for United, with De Gea preferred against Cambridge due to their high-ball style.

Rafael Da Silva has been out of the side since early January, when he broke his cheekbone in a first half clash against Yeovil in the third round of this competition. He was forced to train with a mask on but like Valdes, has since returned to action for the under 21’s and could return to the starting line-up. McNair and Valencia have been preferred to the Brazilian this season but Van Gaal could opt to give Rafael a run-out in order to get better match rhythm.

After his goalscoring exploits in midweek, Chris Smalling is a near certainty to keep his place in the side. Phil Jones is expected to miss out with his knee injury but Luke Shaw will be available again following his suspension, which will allow Marcos Rojo to move back into his favoured central defensive position.

Defensive midfield could prove to be a problem position for Van Gaal on Monday night however. Daley Blind could miss out after his early withdrawal against Burnley, while the boss revealed that Michael Carrick has suffered a ‘minor setback’ in his rehabilitation from a calf injury and will be out for longer than expected. Marouane Fellaini is the natural replacement to fill in at the base of a diamond, despite Wayne Rooney’s performance in the role against Burnley.

Ander Herrera came on against Burnley and helped to stem the flow of the Burnley attacks, helping to stabilize the heart of United’s midfield and Van Gaal admitted afterwards that he was impressed by the Spaniard’s performance. He could slip back into midfield, with his role important to help with the lack of creativity in the side in recent weeks. Angel Di Maria once again returned to electrifying form against Burnley with his direct running and the hope is now he can find a purple patch in the run up to the end of the season.

Juan Mata has been absent in recent weeks thanks to the re-emergence of Adnan Januzaj in the starting line-up. With that being said, I think Wayne Rooney will finally get another chance in an advanced role. With Ander Herrera seemingly beginning to win Van Gaal around, Rooney could be pushed in the No.10 role, which would see both Mata and Januzaj miss out from the starting line-up.

Robin van Persie is a doubt for the game after picking up a knock this week, meaning James Wilson is almost certain to start the game now. While Radamel Falcao’s form has continued to deteriorate, Van Gaal has a decision to make on his striker positions. He could opt to field both Wilson and Falcao together as he has in the other two FA Cup ties this season. As well as that, Van Gaal could decide to field Wayne Rooney in his favoured striker position with either Mata or Januzaj playing in the No.10 role.

Plenty of options for Van Gaal but just one aim, to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Credit: sharemytactics.com

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