Manchester United played quite the entertaining match in the high scoring 3-3 draw at Newcastle on Tuesday. With the transfer window open and some high-profile candidates rumored to be in the works to come to Old Trafford,the mood surrounding the 20-time English Champions appears to be on the up and up.
Since the 2-0 defeat to Stoke City the day after Christmas, Louis van Gaal’s men are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions. The Red Devils will now make their way to Anfield to take on their long standing rivals, Liverpool, in what should be another heated encounter.
Goalkeeper
The world class goalkeeper, David de Gea, did let up three against Newcastle, but they were hardly his fault. In fact, the match would’ve been lost if he hadn’t made some outstanding saves to keep the Red Devils in the match.
Defence
Although Chris Smalling played his worst game of the season, his place is in no doubt in this massive encounter with Liverpool. Daley Blind, who played a better game than Smalling, will partner him once again.
Manchester United’s fullbacks, Matteo Darmian and Ashley Young, both played average on Tuesday, with the former being the more defensive of the two, while Young did his best to attack. Young will have to be better in attack if United have a chance to claim points of Liverpool.
Midfield
Morgan Schneiderlin was left to fend for himself in the defensive side of the midfield in the trip to Newcastle, as van Gaal deployed a more attacking side. Look for the same to happen with Schneiderlin playing a bit deeper, while Ander Herrera is free to join the attack at Anfield.
Memphis Depay should make his return to the starting 11 and play on his preferred left side of the attacking midfield, whereas Jesse Lingard, who missed a perfect chance will make his way back to the bench. Memphis has impressed the last few matches coming off the bench and making some threatening runs, which has aided in United’s scoring.
Juan Mata, who was a substitute in the last match should make his way back on the right side of the midfield. Although he is certainly United’s most creative player, Mata has been in a major slump in recent weeks and will need to make the most of his return to the starting 11.
The man of the match, Wayne Rooney, finally showed us why he’ll soon be United’s all-time leading score, as he put in a captain’s performance by scoring two and assisting on the other goal. With the lineup shuffle, Rooney will drop back and be the central attacking mid in this encounter.
Striker
Anthony Martial hasn’t scored in quite some time, but the youngster continues to impress with his electric pace and threatening runs at the opposing defence. He’ll get his opportunity this Sunday to get back on the score sheet as he’ll be spearheading the United attack.
(4-1-4-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
