Rohan Sengupta
Predicted Manchester United XI To Face Swansea City In The Premier League
Manchester United return to Premier League action on Saturday as they face Swansea City at Old Trafford.
Before the international break, United booked their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup by beating Brighton 2-0 at home.
Swansea City, meanwhile come into the game on the back of a disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Spurs that saw them exit the FA Cup.
Team news
Scott McTominay was forced to pull out of the Scotland squad through injury after making his debut against Costa Rica. The midfielder is a doubt for the game.
Sergio Romero limped off in Argentina’s humiliating 6-1 defeat to Spain on Tuesday night after colliding with striker Diego Costa, who was in the process of scoring the opening goal for the hosts. But according to La Albiceleste’s football association (h/t Manchester Evening News), the United No.2 didn’t suffer a serious injury.
According to Manchester United’s official website, Ander Herrera is fit and could return at the weekend. But the club will be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose contract was terminated. Meanwhile, Daley Blind and Phil Jones still remain sidelined with respective injuries.
Probable Manchester United XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Jose Mourinho
David De Gea (GK)
Arguably the best goalkeeper on the planet, De Gea will start between the sticks for United this weekend.
Antonio Valencia (RB)
Valencia has not been at his swashbuckling best of late but should continue at right-back.
Eric Bailly (CB)
Eric Bailly looks to have put his injury problems behind him after playing the full 90 minutes for Ivory Coast against Togo on Saturday night.
Chris Smalling (CB)
Having not been picked for the Three Lions squad, Smalling got a much-needed break and should be fresh to play on Saturday.
Ashley Young (LB)
Ashley Young made his first England start in 5 years, against Italy. After an excellent performance on the left and later on the right, the versatile winger showed that he needs to be selected for the World Cup in Russia. The 32-year-old will resume his duties at left-back when United host Swansea.
Nemanja Matic (CM)
Matic has been an ever-present figure for United this season and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t start on Saturday.
Paul Pogba (CM)
With McTominay a doubt, Jose Mourinho could start Paul Pogba, who scored a wonderful free-kick in France’s 3-1 friendly win over Russia on Tuesday. The goal would have given the Frenchman a lot of confidence as he remains determined to turn things around at United.
Anthony Martial (LW)
Martial is a player of rare and devastating gifts. Against Swansea’s brittle defence, Mourinho could opt Martial on the left-wing instead of Alexis Sanchez, who has been out of sorts since joining our club in January.
Jesse Lingard (CAM)
Lingard has made a turnaround in his United career this season. The England international has been full of energy, vigour and of course, goals. He deserves to start on Saturday following his really good performances in the friendlies.
Juan Mata (RW)
Juan Mata may lack pace but he offers defensive diligence, excellent ball retention and guile. He would be a handy customer to unlock the Swansea defence at the weekend.
Romelu Lukaku (ST)
Romelu Lukaku continued his recent form as he scored twice and provided an assist in Belgium’s 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. The 24-year-old has been one of United’s best performers in 2018 and has 10 goals in 14 appearances since the start of the year. He is a sure starter on Saturday.
