The feel good factor seems to have finally returned to Manchester United, after the Red Devils thumped Queens Park Rangers 4-0 last week and with all their big money signings playing a prominent role in the victory, the fans are now already starting to dream about their beloved side making a move back to the top.
Before the fans can get carried away though, it has to be pointed out that United did come up against a distinctly average Queens Park Rangers side and it is certainly too early to say that the Manchester United of old is back in business.
As a result, this weekend’s clash against a very solid looking Leicester City at the King Power Stadium will be the proper litmus test to judge the capabilities of the new look United side.
Goalkeeper
De Gea was not worked much against QPR last week
David De Gea was virtually a spectator during United’s 4-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers last week but he did make a horrendous error by needlessly running off of his goal line and could have been punished if it were not for Jonny Evans’ crucial interception.
While there is no doubting that De Gea is a fine goalkeeper, he is till prone to the odd moment of madness and the Spaniard certainly cannot allow such errors against a dangerous Leicester City side on Sunday.
Defence
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal finally decided to dispense with the 3-5-2 formation against QPR last week by reverting back to a back four and all of a sudden, the Red Devils’ backline looked much solid than it did during the first few weeks of the campaign.
As a result, van Gaal will surely stick with a four man defence for the clash against Leicester as well and it will certainly give the United side a better balance in the lineup.
The impressive Tyler Blackett should start once again
Rafael was fantastic on his return from injury last week against QPR and is set to continue at right back while the equally impressive Marcos Rojo should also retain his spot on the left – meaning that Luke Shaw will probably have to do with a place on the bench once again.
Phil Jones is still out with injury but Chris Smalling has returned back to full fitness. However, with Tyler Blackett showing such good form at the moment, Smalling is unlikely to feature from the start. The experienced Jonny Evans should be partnering Blackett at centre back.
Midfield
United are still without the services of Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini, Jesse Lingard and Ashley Young due to various injuries which means that van Gaal may not think about making too many changes to his midfield diamond.
Di Maria was brilliant last week
Ander Herrera looks a certain starter while the impressive Daley Blind is also sure to be used in a defensive midfield role. Angel Di Maria was simply imperious in the clash against QPR and will be the star man for the Red Devils against Leicester once again.
Juan Mata did score last week but it will be interesting to see whether or not van Gaal elects to start with the Spaniard as the prospect of using the trio of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao could prove to be very tempting to ignore.
Attack
Van Gaal is presented with a dilemma in attack of which striking combination to start with. Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie started last week but it will certainly be difficult to keep out the striker of the caliber of Radamel Falcao on the bench for too long.
Falcao may well be handed his first start
Van Persie was not at his best against QPR last week and there is every possibility that Falcao may come in for the Dutchman. Another permutation could be that Rooney may drop deeper at the expense of Mata in order to accommodate both van Persie and Falcao from the start.
