Sidney Sladen
It is the League Cup final! Manchester United have lost only 4 games in all competitions this season and this would usually mean they’re the favourites. But that is not the case in cup football. A cup final has no favourites, they say and it is true indeed. It has been a remarkable journey for United under Mourinho and they have played well after struggling initially. They will surely be motivated to win their first piece of silverware under Jose Mourinho. It would be a great season for United if they manage to win any of the 3 trophies that they are still competing for.
Southampton are not to be undermined either. They managed to beat the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool to reach the final and they will be nothing short of a dangerous team capable of winning the cup.
Manchester United Team News:
United are unlucky to be travelling for the final without the in-form Henrikh Mkhitaryan. However, the Manchester United boss confirmed that Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney are available. Phil Jones will have a late test before a decision is made on his involvement in the game.
Expected lineup for Manchester United
Formation 4-2-3-1
David De Gea (GK):
This is a no-brainer. David De Gea is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and Mourinho might not bench him for a game that would bring United, their first trophy of his era.
Antonio Valencia (RB):
One of the best right backs in the league has every chance of starting the game ahead of his competitors and his experience will prove vital for Manchester United on the pitch.
Chris Smalling (CB):
The English defender has been in decent form of late and Mourinho should stick with him for the big final.
Eric Bailly (CB):
The summer signing has shown great promise for the club in his debut season and he must probably get to play his first final in a United shirt.
Daley Blind (LB):
Has been in great form for United this season and has been a reliable player at the back. No risks for a cup final and hence, Blind at left back.
Michael Carrick (CM):
What are the odds of leaving out the most experienced midfielder in the ranks for a cup final? He would almost certainly start the game.
Ander Herrera (CM):
Ander Herrera has been extremely consistent for United and has grown as a player this season under Jose Mourinho. Herrera is the shift in balance between defence and attack, and chances are less that Mou might gamble here.
Paul Pogba (CAM):
The marquee signing has linked up well with a giant swede named Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jose will probably play him and hope for another game of great chemistry between the players.
Anthony Martial (LW):
After being left out of the team for a while, Martial has risen from setbacks and has been sizzling for United recently. He looks to back to his own self and he looks confident on the pitch. Jose wouldn’t bench a player in this kind of form.
Juan Mata (RW):
Mata has proved that he is an important player for United this season and has finally managed to impress the Portuguese. With Mkhitaryan out injured, Mata is almost a certain starter.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ST):
Who else other than the Swedish legend when it comes to winning cup finals? Zlatan has been terrific for Manchester United and it is hard to see why he wouldn’t be on the pitch when the game starts.
Here’s how they may take the field.
