Pravir Singh
Riyad Mahrez has been the standout performer of the season so far. He’s now scored 13 goals and provided 7 assists in 16 league games. That means he’s been directly involved in 20 goals, which is more than any other player. He has formed a lethal partnership with Jamie Vardy scoring a combined 28 goals for Leicester, more than 15 other teams.
Le 10 Sport quotes French TV programme “Telefoot” as reporting that both Manchester United and Tottenham have offered the Foxes €41 million (£29.9m) for the 24-year-old midfielder. Manchester United are just one of the teams Mahrez is linked with and this is what their starting XI might look like if he’s signed in January or probably in the summer.
David De Gea- Arguably the best keeper in the league, there is no doubt who is United’s number one goal keeper. He’s already saved United on quite a few occasions this season.
Matteo Darmian- After a brilliant start to the season, he’s faded away of late. Suspension and then injury has kept him out of the team but he should be first choice right back when he returns. His positioning has been great and he also offers something going forward.
Chris Smalling- Smalling has been absolutely exceptional so far for United. He’s been their player of the season and has made countless goal saving tackles. He has emerged as a real leader of the team and he’s the reason why United have one of the best defensive records in the league.
Daley Blind- Although he has primarily played as a fullback or midfielder is entire career, Blind has adapted very well as a centre back. He might not have a major physical presence but he is very good with the ball at his feet. He’s done well for United so far and definitely deserves to play ahead of Jones.
Marcos Rojo- Rojo has been missing for most of the season so far. However just before he was ruled out with a shoulder injury, he had a very good spell playing at left back. Subject to his return and with Luke Shaw out for a long time, Rojo should reprieve his position at left-back.
Morgan Schneiderlin- Schneiderlin’s absence was felt heavily at Norwich. He has been good defensively making vital interceptions. Fellaini was all over the place which gave Norwich so much time and space. He must be in United’s first XI.
Bastian Schweinsteiger- Bastian has got a lot of criticism for his performances of late. Van Gaal seems to prefer both Morgan and Bastian over Carrick. Although Carrick and Schweinsteiger did have success, they are found wanting against pacey opposition. Carrick and Schneiderlin are way too similar and when they play together, the front four don’t get as much support from either of the two. Bastian looks to go forward at every opportunity and provides much more on the attacking front.
Riyad Mahrez- With the form Mahrez is in, he will walk into the United XI at the moment. Juan Mata’s terrible form severely helps his cause. He could provide that extra spark and innovation that United need.
Wayne Rooney- There is no doubt that Wayne Rooney has had a very poor season. There doesn’t seem to be much conviction in his game anymore. One of the main problems is that he has to go so deep to retrieve the ball that it leaves him far away from goal.
Jesse Lingard- Lingard has been good whenever he has been given the chance so far. His finishing has been poor though and he needs to work on that, but he’s certainly performed better than Memphis. It’s always a tough call to leave Herrera out, but with LVG insisting on playing the same formation, Lingard is better suited to play out on the left.
Anthony Martial- Martial gives United an added dimension. His pace is useful and he runs at defenders often leaving them behind with his skill. He must be played through the middle where he can have the most impact.
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