Pravir Singh
Projected Manchester United XI To Face Crystal Palace
Every time it seems Manchester United are moving in the right direction, they take a step backwards. A dreary 0-0 draw with City followed by a shocking exit from the League Cup at the hands of Middlesbrough. The lack of goals is becoming a big problem now as they failed to score one past a team from the Championship. United fielded a second string side with Romero, Wilson, Pereira, Lingard and Memphis all starting. However, they failed to make an impact. Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial were brought in but they couldn’t help secure a victory for United. The Red Devils now head to Selhurst Park where they face Crystal Palace. 3 points is a must as they to look to maintain the pressure on Arsenal and City.
Predicted Line-up:
David De Gea- Romero played in the League Cup but De Gea will come back into the XI. He’s been in good form again showing he’s one of the best in the world.
Matteo Darmian– Darmian has lost some form of late but with the injury to Valencia, he will most definitely start at right-back.
Chris Smalling- Smalling has been United’s player of the season and has saved them numerous times. In a time when they need a leader on the pitch, he appears to be one in the centre of defence.
Phil Jones- Jones has done decently since his return. Although he was left out for the League Cup tie, he should be brought back into starting XI.
Marcos Rojo- Rojo has done a good job recently and the left back spot is between him, Daley Blind and Ashley Young. He’s put in good performances, especially against City where he completely nullified Kevin De Bruyne. He should start at Left-back.
Morgan Schneiderlin- He was good versus City and looks comfortable now in United colours. He should keep his place.
Bastian Schweinsteiger- He was rested for the League Cup which is good as he can’t play so many games now. He’s done a decent job partnering Schneiderlin and LVG seems to have more faith in him than Carrick now.
Juan Mata- Mata has been one of United’s best players so far. He’s not impacted much the last game or two but he’s got to start out on the right-hand side.
Wayne Rooney- There have been calls for Wayne Rooney to dropped after some dismal performances. Personally I think he looked decent in the initial stages of the derby and that the tactics are not suiting him. Also, knowing how stubborn Van Gaal is, I’m not too sure Rooney will be dropped.
Ashley Young- Ashley Young being fit is a huge boost for United especially with Memphis’ pathetic performances so far. He got some minutes in the League Cup and it’s possible he might start on the left.
Anthony Martial- Martial has got to play through the middle. United have to have him on the ball as much as possible and the only way he can make the maximum impact is by playing in that number 9 position.
Unfortunately, this means Ander Herrera misses out, but Martial has got to play through the middle and Young is a better option on the left. Should Rooney be dropped then it should be Herrera in that number 10 role.
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