While nobody can deny the genius of the Spanish magician, where exactly Juan Mata fits in to this United side is somewhat more up for debate. The problem won’t come in this game, however, when Van Persie returns to accompany Rooney, Januzaj and Mata in the same 4-pronged attack, there could be more of a selection headache for Moyes.
With Rooney about to put pen to paper on a new deal that will see him installed as club captain as well as increasing his wages, there is a certain point of view that may suggest Moyes see’s his future in the centre of midfield. Rooney is obviously the nearest thing United have to a Scholes replacement by quite some distance and, as much as he loves scoring goals, with Mata and Van Persie backed up by Januzaj on the left, Rooney will be able to dictate play alongside Carrick from the middle of the park. It’s a potential prospect that will have United fans licking their lips in anticipation.
For now though, that is not yet a concern and Van Persie is still sidelined. Mata will debut behind Rooney with Welbeck expected to make way. Fletcher simply has to come back into midfield after being inexplicably left out against Chelsea.
The rest of the team still more or less picks itself right now with Evra just about fit and Evans and Jones resuming the central defensive partnership that served United so well earlier in the season during their first run of unbeaten games . Jones is not a central midfielder regardless of how much Sir Alex or David Moyes try to convince themselves otherwise, however as a central defender he is more than decent and this looks to be his position now that Vidic is suspended (and in the longer term is likely to no longer be first choice).
Please note: Valencia should be on the right wing, just having problems with the lineupbuilder…
