Predicted XI Vs Sheffield United
- Patrick Furlong
- @pjkfurlong
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Following the annual arrival of the Manchester United first team at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester ahead of the third round FA Cup tie against Sheffield United, fans were able to confirm the 18-man squad selected to face the League One side.
And despite manager Louis Van Gaal declaring in his press conference that the only new injury concern was Phil Jones after his half-time substitution against Swansea City, the Dutchman has decided to rest senior stars Michael Carrick, Ashley Young and Morgan Schneiderlin.
However, Jesse Lingard has proven his fitness ahead of the game to return to the matchday squad whilst Will Keane has also earned a call after earlier this week prematurely terminating his loan at Preston North End to return to Old Trafford.
Therefore, see below our predicted XI as the Red Devils look to make their bow in this year’s FA Cup third round tie:
GK: David De Gea
Although some managers prefer to give their second-choice goalkeeper a run out in cup competitions Argentinian Sergio Romero has yet to feature since his poor display in the side’s disappointing penalty shootout defeat to Middlesbrough in the fourth round of the League Cup.
With Manchester United failing to gather any sort of success in cup competitions since Van Gaal’s arrival he will be hoping that this competition can provide the first piece of silverware since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure and having De Gea between the sticks will at least ensure the side will be solid at the back.
RB: Guillermo Varela
After impressing the likes of Zinedine Zidane during his loan at Real Madrid Castilla last season, 22-year-old Varela finally made his first team debut this year in the 0-0 draw to West Ham at the start of December.
The Uruguayan shortly after made his first senior start in the club’s 3-2 defeat to Wolfsburg in the Champions League and has proved to be a solid defender during his brief spells in the first team.
Still without a natural left-back in the squad, it would seem a more considered selection to choose Varela over Cameron Borthwick-Jackson as the former is a more natural attacking threat.
RCB: Chris Smalling
Van Gaal’s first taste of domestic cup competitions in England was an embarrassing 4-0 drubbing at the hands of then League One side MK Dons as they secured a historic 4-0 win.
In that game, the Dutchman unsuccessfully experimented with the side as he gave opportunities to a number of reserve players and it is unlikely that he will try this route again against Sheffield United.
Therefore, I predict that one of the finest centre-backs in the Premier League this season is due to once again start at the heart of the defence in order to truly shut out their League One opponents.
LCB: Daley Blind
Another strong inclusion at the back, Daley Blind will look to sniff out any potential attacks made by the opponents whilst his ball-playing abilities will be useful as the team look to move forward.
LB: Matteo Darmian
Although not naturally left-sided, Italian Darmian is likely to be selected ahead of Borthwick-Jackson due to his natural attacking instinct as this is the perfect opportunity for Manchester United to put some numbers on the scoreboard.
RCM: Ander Herrera
The industrious Spaniard has become a fans’ favourite in recent months and is a fantastic attacking threat as the former Athletic star always looks to move the team forward.
Van Gaal will be expecting Herrera to have a big game against Sheffield United as when the Spaniard does play well, the rest of the team usually follow suit.
LCM: Bastian Schweinsteiger
Although it may not be necessary to risk the German World Cup winner against League One opposition it is likely that Sheffield United will dig in defensively and could prove a tough nut to crack.
Therefore, it will take a certain quality to unlock the opposition defence and with his experience and natural talent that responsibility may fall to the former Bayern Munich star as a simple 1-0 may not be enough to feed the loyal Manchester United fans.
RW: Andreas Pereira
Van Gaal has this season used the cup competitions to give the Brazilian Pereira an opportunity in the first team and his trust paid off as the youngster scored a fantastic free-kick in the 3-0 win against Ipswich Town in the third round of the League Cup.
Having so far this season regularly occupied a place on the bench this fixture may be the perfect opportunity to once again unleash the talented star.
LW: Memphis
Arguably one of the most heavily criticised players in the squad this season, Memphis has had a tough start to his Old Trafford career since his big money move from PSV Eindhoven in the summer.
The current occupier of the number seven shirt has some fellow big names to live up to and with the focus of criticism targeted at Memphis regarding his antics off the pitch, this tie against Sheffield United could prove to be the perfect opportunity to silence them on the pitch.
STR: Wayne Rooney
Although Will Keane has been named in the 18-man squad by the manager, it is unlikely to start as Van Gaal will be looking to again boost his captain’s confidence by providing him with the perfect opportunity to get his name on the scoresheet once again.
STL: Anthony Martial
The club’s Player of the Month for December, Martial has earned plaudits from all over Europe following his £38million move from Monaco at the end of the August.
However, with the side struggling for goals this season it is expected that Martial will once again partner Rooney as the manager looks to help develop their partnership whilst also looking to help encourage their confidence by giving them freedom to attack Sheffield United.