After coming away with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford against CSKA Moscow, Manchester United prepare themselves for the game against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. United look to finally impress in the league considering their last games have ended in draws and after much criticism from the fans calling them “boring United.”
Goalkeeper
David De Gea has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the English league. It is as simple as that, the Spaniard will start.
Left-Back
After losing Luke Shaw for most of the season, Argentinian international Marcos Rojo has established himself as a regular on the United left-back spot. Not only does Rojo provide great runs and delivery for the likes of Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial, he’s also dangerous in the area, as proven by the game against CSKA.
Center-Back
Chris Smalling has become a revelation this season under Van Gaal. The Englishman has been one of the main reasons why United have not been conceding regularly, this has been shown with any of the center back partnerships he’s had so far this season. To partner Smalling, Phil Jones would be the ideal man. He would help contain the likes of Salomon Rondon and Saido Berahino with his presence, even on the second half when Rickie Lambert will most likely come in to play.
Right-Back
With Matteo Darmian out for the clash against West Brom due to suspension and Antonio Valencia sidelined due to the injury he had in the Palace game, it is likely that Ashley Young will start in the right-back position once again.
Defensive-Midfield
Ex-Manchester United player Darren Fletcher is a good shout to start against his former team alongside a more defensive player in Claudio Yacob. This would then not create much havoc if a player like Morgan Schneiderlin were to start to help contain the pressure and dominate the midfield. It would then give Bastian Schweinsteiger mobility to create opportunities for goal, similar to the game against Manchester City.
Right-Wing
Juan Mata has established himself quite well in the right side of the field. His creativity and passing ability has come into question these last few games, considering United lack penetration on the attacking sense, but his quality is unquestionable and will most likely start once again.
Left-Wing
Lets just hope Martial doesn’t start on the left side again..
My shout to start would be Jesse Lingard. Memphis Depay has not yet established himself as a regular starter for the Red Devils, and after being dropped from the Dutch national squad for their upcoming match against Wales, it is unlikely Van Gaal has trust on the player for the game.
Central-Attacking Midfielder
Wayne Rooney scored the winner against CSKA Moscow and will most likely start the game against West Brom, also because Van Gaal doesn’t seem to want to drop the player despite his ‘mediocre’ performances in previous games.
I’ll say this though. Rooney had a good game against the Russian side, creating opportunities for goal and looking like an actual threat, especially after the goal.
Striker
Anthony Martial will be the man to play in the striker role against West Brom. Even though he was subbed off in the game against CSKA for Marouane Fellaini, he did start as striker, (which is what most fans have been asking for), and he is capable of causing trouble against the pairing of Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley.
(4-3-2-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
