Manchester United will be looking to win their first FA Cup trophy in ten year sand they have a great chance of doing it with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City out of the competition.
However, their other closest rivals Arsenal and Liverpool remain and the trio now look set to battle it out – with the Red Devils fans hoping they avoid the pair in the draw should get through to the next round.
It’s the fifth-round for United tomorrow against Preston North End and a win for either side will see them progress into the quarter-finals and move Louis van Gaal’s side within one step of a semi-final clash at Wembley in April. And tomorrow it’s expected that the Dutchman will field a strong side to ensure no shocks occur at Deepdale on Monday night.
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Hopefully that means the likes of Angel Di Maria, Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao all starting with the likes of James Wilson and Patrick McNair maybe getting a chance. But it could be that the latter is dropped to the bench with Antonio Valencia rested for the game against Burnley on Wednesday night. So with Michael Carrick the only absentee we take a look at how United could line-up.
GK – David De Gea
The 24 year-old is set to keep his place for the tricky tie and he could be tested by the League One sides strikers. they are currently looking for promotion and their home form is strong which will be on the United’s players minds when they step out come 8:00 in the evening. However, De Gea is used to these cold Monday nights and he will be set to lead the line with Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling ahead of him.
LB – Luke Shaw
The England international was unused against Burnley because he was banned after his red card against the Hammers. That gave the left-back a week to train and he is now ready to respond in a must win FA Cup clash which is United’s last competition of the season – alongside their battle for fourth in the Premier League. Shaw cost over £27million and is impressing each time he wears a United shirt and tomorrow is another opportunity ahead of as busy Premier League schedule.
CB – Marcos Rojo
At 24 years of age its easy to say the defenders best years are still ahead of him. He’s maturing into one of United’s best players and that is just through his determination and no nonsense attitude which is being picked up by the fans. Rojo cost £16million and at first many believed it was a gamble signing. However, the Argentine is proving us wrong every game and he’s set to keep his place in the heart of defence.
CB – Chris Smalling
The 25 year-old netted twice on Wednesday and gave United three important points in the League. It meant United moved into third and stayed on track to reach Europe. Smalling is currently having an up-and-down season and he now needs to show Van Gaal that he is good enough to remain in the summer.
RB – Antonio Valencia
The make-shift right-back is enjoying this season and rightly so after being voted the clubs player of the Month last month. He has pace, strength and determination and that is helping him keep his place in the side ahead of Rafael.
CM – Daley Blind
Another one of the summer signings that Van Gaal turned to as he look to turn around the Red Devils. Blind, 24, is a versatile player and he’s so far played centre-back, left-back and midfield this season. At the moment he’s deputising for England midfielder Michael Carrick and he’s doing a good job thus far. The Netherlands international can pass and tackle and that will be important against the League One side tomorrow.
Suffered an head injury but should be okay to recover.
LM – Angel Di Maria
United’s record signing and yet to fire in 2015. His goals and assists in the early stage of the season made fans believe he was the next ‘Ronaldo’ of the side. That has since quietened down but his performances are still standing out from the rest – with his pace and energy against Burnley the difference. The 27 year-old will start and hopefully bring United that must needed pace when looking to counter-attack.
RM – Ander Herrera
After his display in midweek the Spaniard could earn a start which many fans have been calling for. The 25 year-old is a gifted footballer and his movement and touch is a joy to behold.
Herrera is very passionate and that could play a key role in United’s cup run which has seen him score a cracker against Yeovil in the third-round. It would be good to see the 63 year-old boss trust him again and he will take the opportunity with his creativity just what United need right now – despite their lacklustre wins.
CAM – Wayne Rooney
The midfielder could return to a more advanced role with the license to help out the midfield without the ball. Rooney has been a huge talking point over the last few weeks with new role seeing him dip in-and-out of games. It is perhaps uncomfortable for the club captain to be used in midfield on a regular basis but the 29 year-old will never complain with his desire and willing to help the team rarely questioned.
He could do with a goal and it could come from a set play with Van Persie likely to miss the clash.
ST – James Wilson
The 19 year-old has been desperate to start and tomorrow he should get his chance. Robin van Persie is carrying a slight knock and that could be a blessing in disguise for United. The Dutchman is struggling with form and Wilson will bring that pace into the side and maybe help Falcao get back on the score sheet.
ST – Radamel Falcao
Succeeding at Atletico Madrid and Porto, Falcao is yet to do the same for the Old Trafford side. The 29 year-old had his birthday this week and he would like to cap it off this weekend with a goal at Deepdable. He is only on loan and Van Gaal has spoken to him about what he must do to remain with the Red Devils. The mission is well and truly on and fans as well as the 63 year-old boss want him to prove the critics wrong.
Another chance and must score or at least assist with Wilson and Rooney pushing to reclaim the strikers births.