Coming off a disappointing and lackluster draw at home in their Champions league match up with PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United return to Premier League action this Saturday. Their foes will be the current top of the table Foxes of Leicester City, led by high-flying Jamie Vardy.
The stingy United defence, which has been the lone consistent bright spot for Louis van Gaal’s men, will be put to the test by Vardy. Vardy has been enjoying life under Claudio Ranieri, netting a league-leading 13 goals in the Premier League, which is four more than the next player.
Here is United’s strongest possible lineup to combat Vardy and first place Leicester City..
Goalkeeper
David de Gea, had a relatively quiet night mid-week, and claimed another clean sheet in the process. However, the match up with Vardy will be a tasty treat, as the best keeper in the Premier League will be up against the top goal scorer.
Right Back
Last week Ashley Young received the start at right back, which was bit of a shocker, nonetheless, Matteo Darmian returned midweek and will most likely be back in this spot. With United away from Old Trafford, he may find himself assisting on the defensive side of things a bit more, rather than attacking.
Center Backs
With Phil Jones an injury doubt once again, the pairing of Chris Smalling and Daley Blind will patrol the central area in front of de Gea. Blind, who is not the fleetest of foot, may be trouble by the pace of Vardy, but will have to use his footballing smarts to outwit the in-form Englishman.
Left Back
Van Gaal and Marcos Rojo had a strained relationship earlier in the season, but Rojo has been featuring a bit more in the side as of late. Injuries to others would most likely be the reason why, however, Rojo played admirably against PSV, providing some decent deliveries.
Defensive Midfield
With Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera still struggling with injuries, Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger will be the defensive pairing once again. When it happens, the legs of Schweinsteiger will certainly welcome the return of either Carrick or Herrera, as the German was overrun in midfield by PSV.
Right Wing
Juan Mata came off the bench late midweek, but the Spaniard should resume his role on the right wing this Saturday. Unfortunately his introduction was a bit too late, as he had limited time to make his presence known.
Left Wing
Memphis Depay had a positive match last weekend, scoring a goal against Watford, but he was anonymous against his old club on Wednesday. Jesse Lingard, who missed a glorious chance to score in the second half of the PSV match, will return on the left wing of the attack.
Central Attacking Midfield
Wayne Rooney returned from illness on Wednesday and had a mixed game, giving the ball away on occasion, but did his best to drive United forward in the latter parts of the match. In a big match to determine the Premier League leaders, United’s captain will have to make a stamp somewhere on the game.
Forward
The other player who came closest to scoring for The Red Devils was Anthony Martial, who in the first half, had his chance stopped by the PSV keeper. Martial has been relatively quiet in recent weeks, however, the United faithful will be happy that he is back from his injury.
(4-3-2-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
