Three players that should start for Man United vs Sunderland
Credit: The Mirror
Last weekend Manchester United were dealt a setback in their quest for the Champions League places after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Swansea City.
United outplayed their opponents but it wasn’t enough against the Welsh side with the focus on games always to score goals and not pass the ball. It was a tactical ploy that United seemed to have planned all game but it didn’t work with their final pass not coming off and the likes of Robin van Persie under firing in front of goal.
However, it was a side that saw some changes by Louis van Gaal and some that he may have regretted come full time. Youngster Patrick McNair started and although he is doing well this season the likes of Antonio Valencia would have done better from the crossing and attacking positions the Northern-Ireland international picked up in the first half.
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Again was the selection of Robin van Persie. Despite the Dutchman having an injury in the last couple games, he walked back into the starting XI against Swansea and offered nothing – with his pace and ability to create something from nothing not quite there this season. Maybe it is coming with age as the Dutchman turns 32 later this year or it could be the lack of confidence. But now with his latest setback which was an injury during the defeat, Van Gaal, 63, now has the chance to make some much needed changes.
And looking at the weekends game against Sunderland we select three players that should play.
First of all is Antonio Valencia. The Ecuador international has been strong this season and despite looking like his future was up in the air, has played himself into one of Van Gaal’s much needed men.
He was rested against Swansea but came on in the second half when Man United needed some more impetus in attack. He provided that with his ability to drive forward and take on players and the Red Devils will need that in front of their home crowd on the weekend.
Valencia is now approaching his 30’s and he will want to try and see as much game time as possible. And even though that could be in his new right-back slot, the former Wigan midfielder will be happy with his role with many players looking to break into the side.
He does need to work on his crossing but with his strength and ever improving defending, Valencia should start against the Black Cats.
Next is Juan Mata. The Spaniard has been struggling to remain consistent and that has resulted to him being left on the bench the last few games. It must be frustrating him but the 26 year-old could now be set for a return to the starting XI.
Earlier on in the season he netted against Gus Poyet’s side and Van Gaal is the type of coach to remember those statistics. At home, Mata is one of the best players for United in terms of scoring and creating goals. That is what United need right now and should he be recalled the pressure on him to deliver could make for an interesting display from the £37million buy.
Last but not least is Radamel Falcao. His strike partner Robin van Persie picked up a knock against Swansea and left the stadium with crutches which is probably good news for the Colombian.
His loan spell is running out and with just 12 games left in the campaign he doesn’t have much time to prove himself. The 29 year-old has netted just three league goals and he needs to improve on that dramatically should he sign for £40million in the summer.
Falcao is a proper number nine and his lack of goals will be infuriating him more than any other player at the club. And now with Sunderland the next opponents it couldn’t be a better game for the Colombian to find some confidence – especially with United still in the FA Cup.