Manchester United managed to cling on to their place in the top four by earning a 1-1 draw against West Ham United but it was clear to see that the Red Devils’ performed woefully on the day.
Having been dominated by the Hammers throughout the match, United somehow managed to claim a point from the jaws of defeat through a well taken Daley Blind goal in injury time.
Following the game, manager Louis van Gaal made no secret of his disappointment in his players for putting in such an insipid performance and he will surely demand his side improve drastically when strugglers Burnley pay a visit to Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
Burnley may currently be languishing at the lower reaches of the Premier League but they have shown a lot of fight in recent times. Therefore, United will be well advised not to approach the game with complacency in their minds and the match will surely be tougher than it seems on paper.
Here is the Strongest Possible Lineup for Manchester United on the day –
Goalkeeper
David De Gea made a host of wonderful saves against West Ham United over the weekend and if it were not for the young Spanish custodian, the Red Devils would perhaps have lost the game comprehensively.
The performance against West Ham just served to epitomize how important De Gea has been for United and he will once again have to play well in midweek as the likes of Danny Ings and Ashley Barnes are more than capable of finding the net.
Defence
While the United backline did not look the most convincing on Sunday, van Gaal will probably not look to make wholesale changes except for the enforced one at left back due to Luke Shaw’s suspension following his red card at the Boleyn Ground.
Ashley Young could return to the starting lineup in place of Shaw but van Gaal has the option of shifting Marcos Rojo to the left and play either Chris Smalling or Jonny Evans alongside Phil Jones in central defence.
Antonio Valencia has done well at right back this season and the Ecuadorian international should be able to fend off competition from Rafael to take his place in the starting lineup once again.
Midfield
Van Gaal may not look to change too many things at the back but one can expect the Dutchman to shuffle his pack in the attacking areas of the pitch.
Daley Blind looks a certain starter in the central defensive position but Adnan Januzaj could well drop out following his ineffectual performance against West Ham United.
Marouane Fellaini looks the most likely option to replace Januzaj but it would not be a surprise if Juan Mata gets the nod as well.
Angel Di Maria has been poor in recent weeks but he should retain his place in the starting lineup and Wayne Rooney will probably be pushed further up the pitch in an attacking role.
Ander Herrera looks like he will have to bide his time on the bench once again while Michael Carrick is ruled out due to injury.
Attack
The duo of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao did not enjoy the best of evenings on Sunday and van Gaal was clearly unhappy with the duo’s performance.
Therefore, there is a possibility that van Gaal will decide to drop one of the two strikers – expected to be Falcao, and replace him by pushing Rooney further up the pitch.
Rooney and van Persie are a great striking combination when on top form and the duo could relish partnering each other for the first time in a long while.
(4-1-2-1-2)
Via – Lineup Builder
