in , , , ,

Opinion: This Is How A Fit Manchester United Starting XI Should Look Like

Anthony Martial
Martial Rooney
Martial & Rooney

Louis van Gaal and his men look to be heading in the correct direction as of now, with United sitting on the 4th spot right now, with just 2 points off of league leaders Manchester City. However, many wonder whether this entire process of ‘revitalising’ the club could have been accelerated if the Dutch manager would have been able to get all of his players consistently, without any injury problems. In this article, we take a look at what Manchester United’s strongest XI would look like if they had all the players fit:

GOALKEEPER: DAVID DE GEA

No qualms about this one, De Gea would start ahead of Romero, Valdez and Johnstone, regardless of who of these 3 remains fit. The Spanish shot-stopper had been the subject of an intense tug-of-war between Real Madrid and United in the summer transfer window, but all those seem a distant memory now, and although he hasn’t been exceptionally brilliant this season, which is also partly because United’s defence has been rock solid so far, yet he has produced fine saves at crucial moments to hand over vital points to the team.

DEFENCE: MATTEO DARMIAN, CHRIS SMALLING, PHIL JONES AND LUKE SHAW

Matteo Darmian has been a revelation since his arrival on the English shores, but of late, niggling injuries and inconsistency has cost him his place in the first team. When fit  however, we expect him to start at the right back position any day over Antonio Valencia.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have a fantastic record together, United have not lost the 11 games that these two have been paired together as centrebacks. While Smalling has been phenomenal this season, leading the troops from the back, Phil Jones has failed to cement his position on a regular basis, thanks to injuries, often yielding his place to Daley Blind.

Marcos Rojo has been doing an excellent job in the left back position, however, when fit, one expects Luke Shaw to start in that position any day. The former Southampton star has been ruled out for most of the season, having suffered a horrifying leg fracture due to an ill-timed tackle by Hector Moreno in a Champions League game. The blow came at the wrong time for him though, since he was just beginning to show the class which had made him the most expensive teenage footballer ever.

HOLDING MIDFIELD: MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN AND BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER

The ‘Schmidfield’, as the United fans call it, is the perfect double pivot, with the former Southampton maestro Schneiderlin providing the grit and the legs while the “German Motor” Schweinsteiger provides the brains. Together, they look lethal, however, van Gaal has been using Carrick and Bastian together more often of late, perhaps saving Morgan for the big games coming soon.

ATTACKING MIDFIELD: JUAN MATA, WAYNE ROONEY AND MEMPHIS DEPAY

Mata on the right, Rooney down the Centre and Depay on the left is what the attacking midfield would probably look when everyone is fit, with Mata providing the skill, Rooney the brains and Depay the pace. Before his injury however, Memphis failed to impress, and the verdict was that he lacks the maturity in his game which would come with time. One hopes that after his return, Depay would manage to lift his game a bit.

STRIKER: ANTHONY MARTIAL

Easily one of the best buys in the Premier League this season, the 19 year old has wowed one and all with his composure, ability and skill. The Gaffer has been using the Frenchman on the left wing and down the middle of late, but when everyone is fit, he will definitely start as the no. 9 in the team.

Written by Abhranil Roy

A thinker,thus a cynic.

Smalling

Manchester United Player Ratings vs West Brom: Smalling And Lingard Shine For The Red Devils

Manchester United Transfers 2021-22

Transfer Opinion: 3 Super Wingers Manchester United Must Try To Sign This Winter