Manchester United rested a lot of their first choice players for the emphatic win against Newcastle at the weekend, but the performances of Januzaj, Kagawa and Fletcher must surely put them in contention for a starting place in the defining game of the season.
Despite the claims of David Moyes that Rooney is touch and go in terms of making it into the starting XI, nobody seriously believes that a bruised toe will keep him out of such a massive game. Welbeck will come back in, despite his ridiculously casual attempt at chipping Neur when one on one in the first leg. Although his finishing is often suspect, he works hard and has pace which makes him the first choice ahead of Valencia, Nani and Young (who hobbled off after 18 minutes against Newcastle).
Januzaj needs to be given the opportunity to run at Bayern, his display after replacing Young against Newcastle was another sterling run-out, and his combination play with Kagawa and Mata was at times mesmerising.
Fletcher played really well again and his European experience in comparison to the two under-performing alternatives (Cleverley and Fellaini) must mean he partners Carrick in central midfield.
In defence, De Gea will return, Evra was substituted against Newcastle but should start, Vidic will start and Rafael should be available again after missing out at St James Park.
United need a goal, that much is clear, but they will most likely need at least two to get past Bayern. Moyes simply has to set up to attack. There will be times when United will have to ride their luck, but if they don’t go with intent, they will get nothing. It seemed that in the first leg the clear intention was to stay in it, that’s been achieved, but now they have to go and win it. This line-up represents their best chance.
