Lakshay Khurana
Louis van Gaal’s side will be facing their local rivals on Sunday evening. After getting kicked out of the Europa League, Manchester United can only aim for two things- No.4 spot in Premier League and probably winning the FA Cup.
The Manchester derby will be no joke for players and the manager after a disappointing streak of matches. The Dutch boss in under a lot of pressure from fans and the club which can lead to him being sacked and replaced most probably by Jose Mourinho.
If United wins the derby, the gap between the sides will reduce to just one point.
Here’s the predicted line-up for Sunday’s match:
Formation : 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
The Spaniard has undoubtedly been the best player for United this season. He has kept United alive in competition whenever the players failed to score any goals.
Defenders: Varela, Smalling, Marcos Rojo and Dailey Blind
Varela has constantly impressed the team with his consistent performances. The Uruguayan defender has certainly the best replacement for the out-of-form Matteo Darmian.
Chris Smalling has shown progress throughout the season, being a wall in the defense with full determination and awareness.
Rojo hasn’t quite achieved much this season but the Argentine works hard to get the ball.
Dailey Blind has been consistent playing as a defender in the absence of other more preferred defenders. His defensive midfielder days are now almost long gone.
Midfielders: Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Mata, Lingard and Memphis
Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin (Sch Midfielders) together in the defensive midfield offer a lot more than is noticed. They’ve been very underrated for what they’ve been offering the team on defense as well as attack. Providing long balls and making key tackles disallowing players to enter the penalty area is their routine job.
Mata impressed the club and worked hard against Liverpool on Thursday and will surely make it to the starting XI along with Lingard and Memphis.
Attackers: Anthony Martial
The Frenchman has been one of the few players who have shown that they deserve to be playing in a club of such stature. His pace and dribbling has never failed to impress fans and the manager. Scoring important goals this season, he earns his place in the starting XI as a forward with Wayne Rooney still fighting his way out off injury.
Bench:
Sergio Romero
Antonio Valencia
Matteo Darmian
Michael Carrick
Marouane Fellaini
Marcus Rashford
