After all the criticism coming their way, Manchester United have more than managed to turn a corner following their impressive victories over rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in consecutive weeks.
The two wins means that United are now firmly in the driver’s seat to claim a top four spot and the mood around the Red Devils’ camp is certainly very positive at the moment.
That said though, there is still a lot of games to be played from now till the end of the season and the Red Devils most certainly cannot afford to allow complacency into their game due to the fact that the table is so tight at the moment.
Up next for United is a clash against a rejuvenated Aston Villa side on Saturday and while Louis van Gaal’s men look overwhelming favourites to claim a victory from the clash, it will surely not be a walk in the park against a team which is desperate for points.
Here is the Strongest Possible Lineup for Manchester United on the day –
Goalkeeper
David de Gea surprisingly has not had much to do during the clashes against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool due to the improved performances of the players ahead of him and given Aston Villa’s poor attacking record this season, it seems like the Spaniard will not be overly worked this weekend as well.
Nonetheless, the likes of Christian Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlahor are dangerous players on their day and de Gea most certainly cannot afford to allow his concentration levels to drop during the clash.
Defence
The Manchester United backline have been extremely impressive over the last few weeks and Louis van Gaal will probably not want to change what has so far been a winning combination at the back.
Daley Blind has proven to be a revelation at left back and with Luke Shaw still an injury doubt for the clash, the Dutchman will in all probability retain his place in the starting lineup.
Chris Smalling is a doubt but he should be fit in time to start at the heart of the United backline alongside the impressive Phil Jones. If indeed Smalling misses out Marcos Rojo will be in consideration while Jonny Evans remains unavailable due to suspension.
Antonio Valencia is clearly van Gaal’s first choice right back and he should continue in the starting lineup at the expense of Rafael.
Midfield
The return of Michael Carrick has gone a long way in helping the United midfield look much more balanced and the 33-year old will be a certain starter against Villa as well.
Alongside Carrick, Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera looks likely to start while human battering ram Marouane Fellaini will be deployed just behind the striker following his brilliant performance against Liverpool as well as in the international round of fixtures for Belgium.
Juan Mata was simply stupendous against Liverpool and it will only be fair if the Spaniard manages to keep his place in the starting lineup ahead of the out of sorts Angel Di Maria. Even Ashley Young has been in brilliant form over the last few months or so and the Englishman should continue on the left wing.
Attack
Wayne Rooney was a bit off colour against Liverpool but with Robin van Persie and James Wilson injured while Radamel Falcao looking out of sorts, the United skipper is a certain starter this weekend as well.
Rooney enjoyed a fruitful time during the international round of fixtures and the striker will surely be looking to continue his great run of form against Villa as well.
(4-5-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
