Manchester United lived to fight another day as a late goal by Anthony Martial has forced a replay in the FA Cup against West Ham. Despite the poor performances this term, Louis van Gaal’s men still have two chances to earn silverware in the FA Cup and the Europa League.
In order to advance and have the opportunity for silverware for the Europa League, United need to dig themselves out of a 0-2 hole when they find themselves back at Old Trafford. United will be battling a Liverpool side that is well rested, having not played over the weekend.
Here is the strongest possible Manchester United lineup in the clash against Liverpool –
Goalkeeper
David de Gea is certainly still the first name on van Gaal’s team sheet with the Spaniard delivering solid performance after solid performance. If Liverpool score an away goal, United’s hopes of advancing could be dashed, so de Gea will absolutely need to keep the rivals out of his net.
Defence
The duo of Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo could feature on this occasion. Smalling performed decent against West Ham where he had the task of battling the physical Andy Carroll on the day.
Guillermo Varela will be starting on the right side and the Uruguayan remains in top form having another solid match against West Ham. Daley Blind was out muscled in the center of the defence over the weekend so I could see the Dutchman being pushed out on the left to have the more physical Rojo assist Smalling.
Midfield
The duo of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin did not start over the weekend but after the failed Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini experiment, they’ll be needed in the center of midfield.
Schweinsteiger’s introduction in the second half against West Ham was certainly felt with United playing a bit better and the German also played a big hand in United’s goal.
Juan Mata should return back into the side after the Spaniard had served his suspension. Ander Herrera and Jesse Lingard should be joining Mata in the midfield attack.
Attack
Anthony Martial will once again be handed the start at the tip of the attack as the Frenchman reminded everyone of his class by saving United’s FA Cup run with a late goal.
Teenager Marcus Rashford remains an option but with young Englishman being held without a goal against West Ham it may be a good idea to rest him and perhaps have the home-grown talent have a taste of the Manchester Derby this weekend.
