Potential Manchester United XI vs Club Brugge

Louis van Gaal has hinted that he could ring the changes against Club Brugge as Manchester United head into their second leg in the Champions League play-off round.

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The Reds take a 3-1 lead into Wednesday’s clash following goals from Memphis Depay and Marouane Fellaini at Old Trafford but Michael Carrick’s own goal means the home side have a lifeline heading into the final encounter.

Following Saturday’s drab 0-0 draw with Newcastle, van Gaal has hinted he could make some changes to the team to keep the fitness of the squad going.

One position that won’t be changing is goalkeeper. Spanish stopper David De Gea hasn’t travelled with the team to Belgium for the clash, with van Gaal preferring to take youngster Sam Johnstone with Sergio Romero. The Argentine will continue in goal, where the only goal he’s conceded so far this campaign came in the first leg.

The defence is likely to remain unchanged also. Matteo Darmian is the only recognised right-back in the squad after Antonio Valencia didn’t travel with the squad, while Luke Shaw is very much in-form. Chris Smalling and Daley Blind have started to form an excellent partnership at the back and with Phil Jones still injured and Marcos Rojo set to play in a reserve team friendly against Ajax reserves on Thursday, Paddy McNair is the only competitor for their positions.

Midfield could see some changes. Ander Herrera is yet to start a game this season under Louis van Gaal despite the outcry for creativity coming from the centre of the park during games. The Spaniard is unlikely to start a game that van Gaal has described as ‘the biggest of the season’ due to the boss’ love for balance and defensive stability, so he may have to sit out on the bench once again.

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Schweinsteiger and Michael Carrick are unlikely to start many games together this season and that means that the German has a battle to keep his place in the starting line-up. Basti started exceptionally well coming off the bench in his first three games but was underwhelming at the weekend against Newcastle while the Reds’ vice-captain has been underwhelming from the start in all of his appearances so far this campaign. van Gaal could make the decision to go with Schweinsteiger to help build up his fitness once again as the player’s quality isn’t in question and with the energy of Morgan Schneiderlin alongside him, he’ll have plenty of help.

United have plenty of options in the final third too. Memphis, Januzaj, Mata, Young, Fellaini, Rooney and Hernandez all travelled to Belgium and all have a case to start on Wednesday night.

Memphis has been the in-form winger so far and his two goals in the first leg have him as the top scorer at the club so far this season, although that doesn’t say much. Januzaj has been impressive since coming in against Aston Villa and Juan Mata has been his usual, reliable self on the right flank.

Ashley Young started the season well out on the left but with Memphis’ emergence he’s been relegated back to the bench. His pace could offer a counter-attacking threat for the Reds and van Gaal could look to use that. Marouane Fellaini is yet to feature in the Premier League after completing a three-game ban following his red card against Hull on the final day last year. His six minute cameo against Brugge in the first leg produced a goal however and he is keen to make an impact now that he available for selection once again.

Up front, Wayne Rooney has struggled in the lone striker role and despite his poor form doesn’t look set to be dropped any time soon. Chicharito came on against the Magpies and spurned a golden chance but most are aware that he is much better coming off the bench. With that said, I think van Gaal will opt for Mata, Fellaini and Memphis behind Wayne Rooney, to freshen things up and give the Reds an outlet in what will no doubt be a hostile environment.

Credit: lineupbuilder.com /

Next: Fellaini will be used as a No.9 or No.10 this season, van Gaal has confirmed

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