Going into the next Premier League match week, Jose Mourinho states that all outfield players are healthy. The boss will have a full squad when facing Arsenal.
Manchester United would like to secure three points against their old rivals, Arsenal. Furthermore, Liverpool sit three points behind United, and a win against Arsenal would strengthen United’s claim to second place. With a Liverpool loss, Manchester United would sit six points clear of Liverpool.
Since Mourinho has a full and healthy squad, there are some decisions that Mourinho must make. For example, would playing Alexis Sanchez against his former team be a smart move? Arsenal knows how the Chilean plays, and it is possible that Wenger could try to shut down the gifted winger.
Since Mourinho has a whole squad to choose from, who should get a starting role in Manchester United’s match up with Arsenal?
Goalkeeper
For every football fan, it is a no brainer that David de Gea should get the start in goal. This is the Spaniard’s best season at Manchester United. Additionally, United’s first choice keeper made it into the team of the year. On top of that honor, de Gea has the most clean sheets of any keeper in the Premier League.
The Spaniard has over 100 saves this season, as well as 17 clean sheets in the league. Surely, de Gea is up to the task of denying Arsenal goals.
Defense
In the defense, Mourinho should start at least two players that have significant experience dealing with offense that has pace. Ideally, Mourinho would start Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling. Moreover, Smalling is a seasoned defender, as he is one of the few last remaining players from the era of Sir Alex Ferguson.
On the outside of the defense, Antonio Valencia should get the start because he is phenomenal in the United shirt. Easily, Valencia proved himself to be the best candidate for right back. On the other side, Ashley Young deserves the start because he found his form earlier in the season in the left back role. With an experienced defense, it will be difficult for Arsenal to break down teams like they are well-known for.
Midfield
In the midfield, Mourinho must find a balance. For example, Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay would be good starts against Arsenal because McTominay would balance Matic’s defensive role. McTominay will defend with Matic, but the young Scot has proved himself to be a valuable player in any function on the field.
In front of the two defensive midfielders, Paul Pogba would be great against Arsenal. Pogba would provide an attacking presence, and he has a few assists in recent weeks. With the way the Frenchman is playing, it is quite possible that Pogba would impact the game tremendously.
Offense
Without question, Romelu Lukaku should start. As an example, Lukaku has the most goals of anybody on the team this season, including scoring off the bench against Bournemouth. The Belgian proved himself to be up to the task at United, as he is experiencing the best season of his life. In all competitions, Lukaku is nearing thirty goals.
On the wings, Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard will most likely receive a starting role. While Sanchez may be an ideal start, it is possible that Wenger could exploit his weaknesses in order to get the best of Manchester United. However, Lingard is an unpredictable player, and he has shown why he is hard to contain. With these two attacking with pace, it will prove to be difficult for Arsenal to defend against.
Next: Manchester United look to deny Arsenal 3 points
As time draws closer to kickoff, Mourinho has a tough decision to make. There are numerous players that are in form, but there are only eleven spots on the field. Compared to the start of the season, Manchester United’s bench appears much deeper. Three points are not mandatory, but it would be nice for United to sit six points clear of third place.