Manchester United’s six match winning run was brought to a halt last week after the Red Devils only managed a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park last week.
In truth, United performed very poorly throughout the match and they could not have any complaints regarding the final outcome of the game.
Manager Louis van Gaal was not best pleased with his sides’ display and made it clear afterwards that he will be looking for a stark improvement from the players during the upcoming busy festive period.
Therefore, United should be pumped up for the upcoming clash against Newcastle United on Boxing Day and one can expect the Premier League giants to put in a better display.
However, Newcastle United are most certainly not going to be easy opponents and as evidenced by their victory at Old Trafford last season, the Magpies could well cause another upset if the Red Devils allow complacency to creep into their game.
Here is the Strongest Possible Lineup for Manchester United on the day –
Goalkeeper
David De Gea put in another good performance during United’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa and could do absolutely nothing regarding the goal that he did concede from a beautiful Christian Benteke strike.
Now up against a dangerous Newcastle United attack, De Gea will once again have to be on his guard behind the suspect United backline and the Spaniard will be hopeful of helping his side to another victory.
Defence
Louis van Gaal elected to go with a three man backline against Aston Villa which consisted of Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Michael Carrick, and the trio was less than convincing on the day.
Evans in particular, was very poor and van Gaal will now certainly demand better from the Northern Irishman on Friday. Phil Jones was better in comparison to Evans while Michael Carrick moved into midfield during the second half as United were chasing the game.
Evans and Jones should retain their place in the starting lineup against Newcastle and with Marcos Rojo still injured, Carrick will probably remain in the central defensive position.
In the wing back positions, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia have surprisingly been impressive and the duo should continue in the lineup even though Rafael has returned.
Midfield
Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera missed out the clash against Aston Villa due to injuries and it remains to be seen whether the duo will recover in time for Newcastle.
As a massive boost though, Angel Di Maria should make a return to the starting lineup following his recovery from a hamstring injury. With Carrick set to be deployed in central defence once again, Darren Fletcher and Maroune Fellaini seem the two likeliest contenders to start in the defensive midfield position.
Wayne Rooney has been the inspiration in attack for Manchester United playing behind the two strikers and given his effectiveness in the role, the captain will continue in the position for the clash against Newcastle as well.
Daley Blind, Jesse Lingard and Anderson are all struggling with fitness issues due to their long term injuries and look unlikely to feature on Friday.
Attack
Radamel Falcao’s performance against Aston Villa was one of the few positives for United and the Colombian looks set to be rewarded with another start against Newcastle.
Robin van Persie, on the other hand, was very quiet throughout and the Dutchman will now most certainly be looking to put in an improved performance on Friday.
With the fixtures coming in thick and fast though, it would not be a surprise if van Gaal decides to rotate things and give young James Wilson a chance as well.
(5-3-2)
Via – Lineup Builder
