Strongest Possible Manchester United Starting XI
James Rodriguez has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid. He’s not been happy with being played out of position and also recently being left on the bench. He was one of the stars of the World Cup with Colombia and it came as no surprise when he was signed by Real Madrid in the aftermath. He’s been heavily linked with Manchester United and this is how they might line-up with him.
David De Gea- The Spaniard has reportedly shown he is the best in the league, if not the best in the world. Another brilliant performance saw him earn man of the match at Anfield. He seems to have put the Real Madrid transfer saga behind him now.
Matteo Darmian- Matteo Darmian has struggled off late. He’s been played on the left-hand side and he’s not put in good performances consistently. Even though Young has done a good job, at the end of the day he’s not a defender and many times he’s found wanting at the back. So, Darmian is the first choice right-back for United.
Chris Smalling- He might have had a poor game against Newcastle, but he was back in form against Liverpool. His rise has been absolutely terrific this season. He has saved United plenty of times with his last ditch tackles and there’s no doubt he’s United’s main man at the heart of the defence.
Marcos Rojo- Marcos Rojo was doing well until he was ruled out through a shoulder injury. Although Daley Blind has done a decent job, he’s not a centre-back. Phil Jones has been too inconsistent and suffered many injury setbacks. So Rojo should slot in alongside Smalling. United do need to strengthen in this position though.
Luke Shaw- Assuming United can only sign James in time for next season, Luke Shaw will be back as a first choice left back. He was having a very good season until he unfortunately, broke his leg against PSV. It’s cost United their balance as well. He will most definitely slot back in depending on his fitness.
Morgan Schneiderlin- Although he wasn’t able to exert his dominance in the middle of the park at Liverpool, he made vital interceptions. He’s done that all season. He provides that extra protection the defence needs.
Bastian Schweinsteiger/Michael Carrick- Both excellent distributors of the ball, they should be swapped around depending on fatigue and form. United missed them against Liverpool. Both haven’t so far shown their best form this season.
Juan Mata- Although Mata’s best position is central; he’s been playing out right. He’s been in poor form recently, but he has shown some signs of improvement after being benched. He started the season really brightly and United will hope he starts performing again soon.
James Rodriguez- James should probably play just behind the striker. He likes playing high up the pitch and this could be an ideal position for him at United. He did a very good job for Columbia at the World Cup playing in a similar position.
Anthony Martial- Although his best position is up top, with James playing as a number 10, it would mean Rooney would have to play up and Martial on the left. He has done a good job and he’s also one of the few players who takes on defenders on a regular basis and beats them.
Wayne Rooney- Wayne Rooney should keep his place up top. With 5 goals in his last 4 appearances, he’s found some form again. The major problem he was having is that he was lacking any service but with James in the side, it could make a big difference.
