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Carrick To Start? Predicted 4-2-3-1 Manchester United Line Up To Face Northampton Town

Ibra vs watford

Three games, three defeats! If there is anything worst going on, Manchester United are the victim of it. The side, which started their season by scoring six goals in the opening three games in the Premier League, failed poorly in their last three games and many now believe that they won’t be able to challenge for the title.

It all started when City visited Old Trafford and conquered the reds in a stylish fashion. The confidence dripping down the vein was clearly seen in the following fixture, against Feyenoord. But what shocked the world was the 3-1 defeat to a lowly Watford side. The side lacked passion, the flair and almost everything that made them the winner in the opening fixtures.

That’s done now, and a new challenge is awaiting in form of the Football League cup. The side, on 21 September, will be travelling to Sixfields Stadium to face NorthamptonTown for the third round of the competition. United are surely low on confidence, but Northampton will also be stepping on to the field on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Chesterfield.

This surely is an easy fixture, but cup games have the history of producing shocking results. Players gave the worst performance last time out, hence a change in the lineup won’t be a surprise. So here is the predicted lineup for Manchester United:

Goalkeeper: David De Gea-

The Spanish shot-stopper was never at his fault last time out, yet he conceded three goals. The former Atletico Madrid man is still and will always be the number one keeper for the side and hence, he will be a starter. Romero rightly deserves his chance, but given the recent form of the team, the manager cannot afford to see any mistake between the sticks.

Defence: Valencia; Bailly; Blind; Young-

Antonio Valencia, who was heavily criticized for his poor form for the past couple of seasons, has really picked up the momentum. The 31-year-old has been a bright spot for the team even in the recent defeats. His flashy runs on the flank and no-nonsense defending will surely help the side in future.

This is very clear now! Bailly-Smalling isn’t working anymore. The manager needs to bring the best out of Smalling as soon as possible and till then, Blind has to take the reins. The former Ajax man, who converted himself as a centre-back in the Premier League, formed a formidable partnership with the Ivorian, and this could well be it for United.

Luke Shaw suffered a groin injury during the last fixture, and to fill the void, the manager might use his countryman, Ashley Young.

Holding Pair: Carrick; Herrera-

The manager might use the veteran midfielder Michael Carrick in the center of the midfield. The 35-year-old, who signed a new one-year deal with the devils earlier this summer, is yet to feature and this could well be that moment for the Englishman. With Schneiderlin failing and Fellaini resting, Carrick could provide a strong support to the back line.

The attacking responsibilities will surely be deployed on the shoulders of Ander Herrera. The former Athletico Bilbao man was excellent during the derby and hardly put a foot wrong against Feyenoord and could get his chance again for the side.

Attacking Trio: Mata; Rooney; Depay-

Mata might start from the flanks. The Spanish international was dropped against Watford and the manager will be looking to use his creativity on the flank. The former Chelsea man has a great chemistry with Valencia and the pair could really hurt the opponents with pace and creativity.

The skipper Wayne Rooney completely lost the plot against Watford and was heavily criticized for the same and now, he solely has a point to prove.

On the other flank, the manager might look to give Memphis Depay his chance. The out of favour attacker is struggling to impress the new manager so far. Games like these will surely help his cause and will be a perfect platform for him.

Striker: Marcus Rashford-

With an easy game to play, the manager might look to give Zlatan a much-needed rest. The former PSG attacker has played every single game for the side and the manager might want to save him up for the league games.

Written by Patrick Rees

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