Manchester United’s woeful performances in recent times has been like watching paint dry but the Red Devils continue to pick up points and they did so once again with a smash-and-grab 1-0 victory over Newcastle United in midweek.
The Red Devils now have to focus their attention to the FA Cup as they square off against fierce rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford on Monday night in a blockbuster encounter and the match certainly has all the potential to be a modern day classic.
Manchester United and Arsenal have competed against each other in many memorable FA Cup ties over the years and clichéd as it may sound, the form book most certainly goes out of the window when these two teams battle it out against each other.
A lot is riding at stake for both sides for the clash as the FA Cup is the only realistic chance of winning a trophy for the two fallen giants of English football and it will certainly be interesting to see who comes out on top on the night.
Here is the Strongest Possible Lineup for Manchester United on the day –
Goalkeeper
David De Gea has saved Manchester United’s blushes on so many occasions this season and he was once again crucial in the Red Devils’ victory in midweek against Newcastle United, making a host top quality saves throughout the match.
With the United backline currently anything but solid, De Gea will have to be on his guard on Monday night as well and he will surely have to perform to his best in order to help the Red Devils progress into the next round of the competition.
Defence
Jonny Evans has been slapped with a six game ban for his ‘spitting’ antics against Newcastle United and with the Northern Irishman now unavailable, it looks like van Gaal will have to stick to a flat back four once again.
Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling look the most likely combination in central defence but Phil Jones is also in contention after making the bench against Newcastle United in midweek.
Rojo played at left back against Newcastle and if the Argentine international is shifted inside to centre back, Luke Shaw is the most likely candidate to start on the left side of defence while in form Ashley Young also remains an option.
Midfield
United have been boosted by the return of Michael Carrick from injury and the England star should make a return to the starting lineup at the expense of either Daley Blind or Ander Herrera.
However, Blind and Herrera have been playing very well in central midfield in recent times and it would not be a complete surprise if manager Louis van Gaal decides to stick with the duo once again.
Angel Di Maria was woeful once again against Newcastle United and is looking desperately out of form at the moment. While van Gaal should persist with his club record signing in such a big game, young Adnan Januzaj will also have to be considered for a start.
On the other hand, Ashley Young has found a new lease of life over the past month or so, and he looks like a certain starter following his heroics in midweek.
Attack
Van Gaal surprisingly decided to omit Radamel Falcao from the starting lineup completely against Newcastle United in favour of Marouane Fellaini but it is very likely that the Colombian superstar is reinstated for Monday night’s clash.
Wayne Rooney will be partnering Falcao in attack and he will once again look to continue his fantastic goal scoring run against Arsenal. Former Gunners captain, Robin van Persie, is out injured and will not feature on the night.
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Via – Lineup Builder
