David de Gea: Our shot-stopper’s season has spoken for itself and, we might as well use what we have whilst we have it! The Red Devils need to accept that should de Gea depart for the Spanish giants in the summer, they can at least use their number one to book them a place in the Champions League next season. Dialogue aside, the only thing that would ever keep the 24-year-old from the line-up would be injury and there’s slim chance of that.
Antonio Valencia: He might have received considerable criticism recently by the United faithful, but there are limited options with Rafael da Silva ruled out for the remainder of the season. However, we need to hope that the manager has had words with the defender about his recent displays. Nonetheless, the goals seemed to have grinded to a halt since Valencia has refrained from venturing forward.
Chris Smalling: Smalling’s name may already be present on the team sheet with Marcos Rojo’s injury and Paddy McNair’s dip in recent weeks. The jersey is in no jeopardy for the centre-half. While supporters are hopeful of Mats Hummels’ arrival, Smalling looks a firm choice to fill the gap under future announcements are made!
Phil Jones: Subsequent to being declared fit for Saturday’s clash, the Reds’ woeful concession of goals since falling to Jose Mourinho’s men suggests things need shaking up at the back. A fresh pair of legs might be just what the Manchester outfit are crying out for. And after all, with the squad plagued with niggles, other options are severely limited.
Daley Blind: The only place Blind can fit into the starting 11 at present is left-back in Luke Shaw’s absence, and nonetheless, it would be unthinkable to discard the midfielder-cum-defender to the bench. United will be struggling in midfield with Michael Carrick’s absence, it could help to have Blind to hand should he need to step in.
Juan Mata: Firepower are required find the back of the net when presented with the chances, and that’s what the former Blue does best. The Premier League side need to return to this exciting style of play and can only do so with Mata in the mood. Louis van Gaal simply needs to get the best out of his ace.
Ander Herrera: Now it’s Herrera’s turn to be taken from his comfort zone. The Spaniard looks likely to replace an injury laden Carrick, holding in the middle of the park. The richly deserved Player of the Month continues to prove his critics wrong though, and van Gaal will need to advise the number 21 to use his passes wisely.
Wayne Rooney: As much as we prefer Rooney where he belongs, there’s no point fighting it anymore. That’s where the England International looks set to be a cornerstone for the remaining few games of the term. Additionally, a team player, if anyone is to but the United back into our name, then it will be our captain.
Marouane Fellaini: Memphis Depay’s arrival may have provoked ecstasy amongst the fans as the news erupted on social media, but it will certainly have rocked the boat for Fellaini, who’s role just in behind the marksman could be under threat with the former tipped to shift to the number 10 position eventually. His ability in Europe has already been questioned, which triggers questions about where the midfield man will play his trade during the 2015/16 campaign. A firm favourite of van Gaal’s though, his number 31’s physique is something United cannot afford to be without when faced with a towering Yaya Sanogo or Mile Jedinak.
Ashley Young: Another Manchester United man to soon be rewarded with an extra three years at Old Trafford, the head coach clearly thinks highly of the winger. Although, Depay’s signature could too set Young’s nose out of joint and the left footer will need to showboat his skills in front of van Gaal.
Robin van Persie: Surprisingly, United’s only plus point in a 1-0 defeat to West Brom last weekend, the striker appears to be edging closer to a goal on his return. Unafraid to have a go, the Red Devils could use a bit of fearlessness just to get them going and back on a run. The sharpest player on the pitch, the Dutchman’s reason to perform is greater than any others – he will either need to impress van Gaal in an attempt to have his future foreseen at the club, or set his stall out for other employers!
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