United headed into the International Break after consecutive victories against CSKA Moscow and West Bromwich Albion. With City and Arsenal both dropping points, United are now just 2 points behind in 4th place. The International Break will provide a much needed rest for some of the players, although the majority of the first team were involved with their countries.
Unfortunately for United, the squad has not returned from the break unscathed. As England went down 2-0 to Spain in Madrid, Michael Carrick sustained an ankle injury which could keep him out for a minimum of two weeks. To make things worse, Anthony Martial went off injured against England in an emotional affair at Wembley. He was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches and the full extent of the injury is still to be known. Didier Deschamps did say that Martial was in a lot of pain and that it seemed like a knock to the top of the foot. This is bad news for United as Martial has been their man in form. It’s been a period where they’ve lacked creativity in front of goal and they have looked to Martial to provide the spark.
With the absence of Carrick, the role and fitness of Bastian Schweinsteiger becomes even more crucial. He and Schneiderlin have become the favoured pair, however fixture congestion will make it hard for Bastian to play every minute. The versatile Daley Blind will probably step up to mid-field if it is needed. While Morgan Schneiderlin took part in both of France’s friendlies, Schweinsteiger withdrew from Germany’s second game after a traumatic experience at the Stade De France. Hopefully he has returned to Manchester raring to go.
A lot of United fans were calling for Wayne Rooney to be dropped before the break. However, he did improve in the last two games, even scoring the winner versus CSKA Moscow. He put in a good performance in the friendly against France playing in the number 10 role. United legend Paul Scholes praised his performance after the United and England skipper scored his 51st goal for his country. With the injury to Martial, it means Rooney should start up top. The game against Watford might provide an opportunity for Marouane Fellaini to make his way back into the starting line-up. However, it probably won’t be in that number 9 role where he struggled to perform versus Liverpool.
Young has done well in the absence of Darmian and it is possible he will keep his place ahead of the Italian. If Martial has to miss the game, and it seems like he might, Rooney will be pushed up. This allows Herrera to come in and play just behind the skipper. He gives the team more energy and has done a decent job when given the chance. Also he combines well with Juan Mata who has seemed to have lost his form in the last few games. Lingard had a dream night versus West Brom and he most definitely should keep Memphis on the bench who was dropped from the Netherlands squad.
Team to face Watford- David De Gea. Ashley Young. Chris Smalling. Daley Blind. Marcos Rojo. Bastian Schweinsteiger. Morgan Schneiderlin. Juan Mata. Ander Herrera. Jesse Lingard. Wayne Rooney.
