Why Rooney, Herrera & Smalling must start against Chelsea

By Tyrone McGarthland | Apr 17, 2015

Manchester United have won their last six games in the Premier League and that means one thing, the confidence in the camp is sky high.

The Red Devils have not only improved in the last few months but they have shown that next season they will be up there challenging for the league title under boss Louis van Gaal.

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That was made clear last weekend when United capped off a superb run of tough fixtures with a 4-2 home win against arch rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford. It was a display that showed character, determination and the hunger needed to succeed at the highest level. Van Gaal’s side went 1-0 down within seven minutes but responded magnificently to go into the break 2-1 up.

United then kicked on in the second half and sealed the points when Juan Mata and Chris Smalling scored before Sergio Aguero netted a late consolation. However, it was a huge win and one that leaves the side in confident mood ahead of their toughest challenge this season.

On Saturday afternoon the 20-time league champions travel to Stamford Bridge to lock horns with likely league winners Chelsea. It should be an interesting affair with both sides looking for all three points and that could see an unchanged line-up from Van Gaal with the side playing so well.

Angel Di Maria is currently on the bench but the Argentina international will have to wait for his chance with Ashley Young and Mata playing so well. However, with other players improving each week we pick three other members of the squad that can’t be dropped at present.

Chris Smalling

The England international had a rocky start to the season with injuries hampering his progress while being slated for giving the ball away cheaply when in possession. But the former Fulham defender has took that all in his stride and it appears that now with Van Gaal nurturing him into the 4-3-3 system, Smalling is now reaping the benefits.

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As mentioned by Jamie Carragher on Monday night football, Smalling is becoming a leader for United and his display against City proved that with his presence helping to win the aerial battle against Aguero while his pace ensured United kept a high line.

He is now becoming a strong candidate to remain at United after the summer and he will want to the end the season with a bang. This weekend he will have a different challenge ahead of him with Didier Drogba set to lead the line for the Blues.

The experienced Ivorian is a tough forward and his physical strength will provide Smalling with a different challenge. But if the 6ft’ plus defender can handle the Chelsea forward then United are in a strong position to cause Chelsea problems.

Smalling wins over 60% of his headed duels and that will be an important area against a tall side.

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Next is Spanish magician Ander Herrera.

At 25 years of age the midfielder has a long time to improve and if that is the case then United have a wonderful player at their disposal.

Since arriving from Athletic Bilbao in the summer for £29million, Herrera has perhaps had the most up and down time of any United player during their first season. He was a regular during pre-season alongside Michael Carrick and he then started the season in good form despite United failing to record good results.

He was the one bright spark with his creativity from midfield giving United an outlet which they have needed since the departure of Paul Scholes.

At the moment the Spaniard is part of a three-man midfield and his relationship with Marouane Fellaini and Carrick is becoming very strong and they could hold the key to victory over Chelsea. The Blues are set to play Kurt Zouma in midfield to handle Fellaini and that could allow Herrera to free himself in the middle of the park.

He so far has five league goals and adding to that will be on his agenda on Saturday.

Wayne Rooney

Even though the England captain and United talisman was quiet against Man City last weekend, his performance was actually very impressive as highlighted by tactical expert Gary Neville.

The 29 year-old forward didn’t touch the ball as much as he would have liked but what he did do well was keep the defenders occupied. His movement ensured that Vincent Kompany remained busy and that freed up the space for United’s wingers in attacking areas – something the Red Devils will look to repeat against Jose Mourinho’s side.

Rooney’s also been on the scoresheet plenty recently and his record against the top sides isn’t too bad either. Playing against John Terry and Gary Cahill could also work for the United captain because he’s had plenty of experience taking the pair on during his time with England.

Next: G. Neville: Man Utd are three signings away from the title

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