Sunday welcomes arguably Manchester United’s biggest game of the season. The reverse fixture saw a valiant ten-man United lose 1-0, and with City faltering this may be United’s chance to capitalise and take a massive step to finishing in the top three. Here is the predicted line-up.
Formation: 4-3-3. Louis van Gaal declared this as his “preferred system” and it has shown in the performances as player movement, attacking threat and midfield balance have improved greatly since the change.
David De Gea: His importance for Manchester United cannot be under-appreciated, he turns up when his team need him most and with City’s attacking threats he will no doubt need to be at his utmost best. A massive part of United that they will be adamant to keep come the summer.
Antonio Valencia: Clearly preferred by van Gaal over Rafael da Silva and has put in some assured, yet shaky performances in his new role. Whilst he doesn’t fill fans with the most confidence it is well-within his capabilities to produce an assured display.
Phil Jones: Put in another good performance against Villa last week and he is growing in confidence and stature with each game.
Marcos Rojo: Without doubt one of United’s best centre-backs this term, and with Smalling being without match fitness, Rojo is most-likely to partner Jones on Sunday.
Daley Blind: A fan favourite and one of United’s most consistent performers this season and has proved that with an impressive move to left-back in the absence of Luke Shaw. His ability to deliver early crosses and his positional awareness will be key to United on Sunday.
Michael Carrick: Whilst Carrick’s composure and passing is undeniably brilliant his defensive contributions are questionable at best. Yet, with United’s new-style of quick, pacey passes he will be a key player in controlling long-periods of possession for Manchester United in the middle of the park.
Ander Herrera: This special Spaniard was in fine form against Villa scoring two goals and completing 94% of his passes. His composure and ability to keep the ball ticking over will most likely see him being at the heart of United’s attacking play and with his passion and impressive defensive contributions he is quickly growing into a massive player for United.
Marouane Fellaini: The epitome of United’s dreadful campaign a year ago is now hailed by van Gaal to be “undroppable”, and rightfully so as the Belgian has been in fine form. His aerial dominance and strength are likely to play a big part in both United’s attack and defence.
Juan Mata: Another Spaniard who lit up Anfield and put in another assured performance against Villa. He gives United more creative options and can finish his chances. His link up and movement with Herrera and Valencia down the right side is improving massively and could be prominent in United’s attack.
Wayne Rooney: Whilst his last two performances have been subdued, his ability to produce at vital times is phenomenal and his stunning strike against Villa showed that. He will no doubt be full of fire and passion during this game and take the game to City.
Ángel Di María: United’s £60million man has registered an assist in his last two substitute appearances and his big-game mentality and undoubtable skill and talent, lead to signs that he will start over Ashley Young this weekend. His sheer pace, pinpoint crossing and attacking mind-set can hurt City in United’s attacking movements.
