A sublime performance from Manchester United last time out saw them comfortably beat Stoke City 3-0 at home. Jesse Lingard gave them the lead before a beautiful counter attacking move saw Martial finish into the top left corner. Rooney finished it off with a tap in after more brilliant football.
So far this season United have been taking one step forward and two steps backwards, but it’ll be interesting to see if they can continue this form against Chelsea.
Lingard suggested during the post match interview that he was given a lot more freedom and you could certainly see that on the pitch. Mata also had a much better game playing in his favoured role just behind the striker. Also, with Lingard playing on the right, it gives United a lot more width which gives them more of a attacking threat. Anthony Martial also kept up his fine form along with Rooney who now has 7 goals in his last 7 matches. There isn’t much reason to change the XI that started against Stoke depending on the fitness of Marouane Fellaini who seemed to go off injured. This is how they might line-up:
David De Gea- Although he didn’t have a single save to make he’s been excellent this season.
Matteo Darmian- The Italian finally found some form again against Stoke. He defended well not giving Arnautovic much freedom on the ball. He provides a decent attacking threat as well.
Chris Smalling- Smalling has been immense so far this season and he’s going to have his hands full dealing with the antics of Diego Costa.
Daley Blind- The Dutchman had a decent outing against Stoke. He’s very good with the ball at his feet and he should keep his place alongside Smalling.
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson- Yet another promising talent to come out of the United academy. He had a very good game against Stoke. He was solid defensively and provided a few lethal deliveries including an assist for Lingard. Deserves to keep his place.
Michael Carrick- Carrick proved once again how useful he is for United. Besides, when a lot of the passing is sideways or backwards, Carrick is one of the few players who plays quick incisive balls forward. He should keep his place.
Morgan Schneiderlin- Although Fellaini had a good game against Stoke, he went off with a knock. Schneiderlin should get the nod if the Belgium isn’t fit. He’s done really well for United so far and should work well with Carrick as he covers more of the defensive aspect.
Jesse Lingard- Although many United fans have been calling for him to being dropped, he might have kept his place for another game with his performance against Stoke.
Juan Mata- Mata was dropped for a few games and it seems to have helped. He put in a much better performance against Stoke playing as a number 10. He’s one of United’s most creative players and should keep his place.
Anthony Martial- Martial was in terrific form once again and scored a beautiful goal into the top right corner. No doubt that he will start on the left for United.
Wayne Rooney- The skipper continued his bright start to 2016 scoring his 7th goal in as many matches. He should start for United up front.
