Manchester United entertain Aston Villa this weekend. In the reverse fixture, United couldn’t break down the Villa defence, which the players will be looking to rectify on Saturday. Here is the predicted line-up.
David De Gea – Rampant rumours recently that the Spaniard is considering a move home to Madrid. This is something that he must push to the back of his mind and focus on United’s push to cement a top four spot.
Antonio Valencia – Not a player that fills me with confidence, that being said, the manager certainly feels that Valencia is more than capable of playing at right back, at least until the end of the season. Must impress if he is to keep his position beyond the summer.
Phil Jones – With Chris Smalling suffering from an apparent illness, Jones will most likely step in. Played well midweek in Turin for England but he is slowly becoming a third-choice centre back and that is something he will be trying to rectify, when he is given a chance.
Marcos Rojo – Currently, in my opinion, our best centre back. It’s obvious he can improve in certain areas but this has been a more than acceptable debut season. I feel he would boost his game, if he was playing alongside a world class centre defensive partner.
Daley Blind – Seems to have been pushed out of his position by Michael Carrick recently but Blind is more than happy playing left back. Against Liverpool, he played in the position with ease and confidence, which is something Luke Shaw hasn’t done. Getting Blind in the team is important at this stage, as it gives our midfielders a comfortable option to pass back to.
Michael Carrick – This is the man who pumped a shot of adrenaline into a team that needed it at this stage of the season. Admittedly, I was a Carrick critic until Fergie’s final season, I now realise that this man is the cog that makes the wheels turn.
Ander Herrera – My favourite summer signing so far. Herrera is ice cold on the ball, he is very meticulous and demands more from everyone else. The Spaniard can push us into the top 4 and keep us there with his vital goals and assists.
Juan Mata – To score an audacious scissors kick at Anfield, shows that this guy is as confident as he ever was. A vital component of this team and hopefully he stays in the team for many years to come. Mata is another player that is always good for a goal and assist.
Marouane Fellaini – It’s ok to say I’m loving his contributions now right? Fellaini fits well in our system at the minute and it seems the manager trusts him to play his role. Fellaini had a great international break scoring 3 goals in 2 games for Belgium (one of which was classy). I’m not so sure that he keeps his place beyond this season but for now, he plays.
Angel Di Maria – The man with the most to prove. Many fans are rightly pointing out, that the winger doesn’t dominate games and that is something that needs to be addressed now. With the major season defining games coming up, we need our best players firing on all cylinders.
Wayne Rooney – Robin Van Persie is still injured and this allows Wayne to keep his preferred position. Rooney has the ability and the passion to lead Manchester United, to where they deserve to be. I feel he needs to assert himself and become lethal in front of goal over the next couple of games, if he is to keep Van Persie out of the side.
