Patrick Rees
Manchester United’s hopes of starting their pre-season games with high notes were crushed by the German side Borussia Dortmund as the Yellow Wall thrashed the Devils by four goals to one.
The next hurdle for the Devils will be their fierce rivals Manchester City and both the sides will be looking forward to win the game that will set a tempo for the season. City recently lost 1-0 to Pep Guardiola’s former club Bayern Munich, but the Spanish gaffer stated that he was happy with the performance of the team, and we are pretty sure that United’s manager will never say the same.
With City awaiting in the next fixture, here is the strongest possible predicted lineup for Manchester United:
Goalkeeper: Sergio Romero-
The Portuguese manager decided to put the 23-year-old Sam Johnstone between the sticks, but the Englishman made some horrendous blunders last game that might cost him his place in the following game. Mourinho introduced Romero in the second half of the game vs Dortmund, but the Argentine was unable to protect the post as well. But with Johnstone failing, we might see Sergio Romero in the starting lineup.
Defence: Fosu-Mensah; Bailly; Smalling; Shaw-
Jose decided to put Antonio Valencia on the right against Dortmund, and the Ecuadorian captained the side, but he failed miserably. It is fair to say that he was one of the poorest performers in the game, hence, Jose might use the young 18-year-old Timothy Fosu-Mensah against City.
Bailly, on the other hand, gave a positive display of his defensive skills, hence, he might retain his place. While Jones failed to do anything concrete, the manager might go for the team’s number one defender Chris Smalling this time and on the left, it would be an obvious candidate; Luke Shaw.
Holding midfield: Carrick; Herrera-
The Englishman, who was not utilized against Dortmund might mark his return against the city rivals Manchester City. Daley Blind, who was used as a defensive midfielder last time out gave a poor performance, hence we might see him replaced by Carrick, while for the central midfielder spot, United do not have a concrete option other than Ander Herrera.
Attacking Trio- Mata; Rooney; Mkhitaryan-
The Spanish international midfielder Juan Mata was one of the bright spots in United’s squad last time out, hence, he might get his chance yet again. The 22-year-old Dutch international Memphis Depay, who also failed miserably, might be dropped this time, and the new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan might be shifted on the left. With a Spanish-Armenian pairing commanding the flanks, we might see the skipper Wayne Rooney as a number 10 man after a long-long time.
Striker: Marcus Rashford-
The 18-year-old Englishman, who came on late as a substitute didn’t had much time to work anything solid, but rhe manager is aware of his talent, and with no possible option on the side, we might see him guiding the lines yet again.
