Manchester United put together an impressive performance against Saint-Etienne in Europa League action on Thursday, and they will look to keep similar momentum going when they face off with Blackburn Rovers on Sunday in an FA Cup clash.
Blackburn are currently in 23rd in the Championship, which is one spot below Wigan Athletic who Manchester United played in the previous round of the tournament. Manchester United will be heavy favorites to win this game, and I could see Jose Mourinho rotating the squad somewhat significantly as a result.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the possible lineup for Manchester United.
GK- Sergio Romero
Romero started on Thursday in a shutout against Saint-Etienne, and he also started against Wigan in the last round of the FA Cup. I think he’ll get another chance to start in this game.
LB- Luke Shaw
Jose Mourinho has been reluctant to put Luke Shaw in the lineup, but an FA Cup game against a struggling Blackburn side could be a good opportunity to get him back in the starting XI.
CB- Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones
Phil Jones is returning from a bit of an injury, but if he is deemed fit I think he will start alongside Rojo in this game. Bailly and Smalling have done very well together over the past few games, but I think they could both use a rest.
RB- Matteo Darmian
Darmian has not played for a few weeks, and I think this game is a good chance to get him back in the lineup. He has played well at right back when given the chance, and starting him would give Valencia a rest.
CM- Bastian Schweinsteiger and Michael Carrick
Schweinsteiger played magnificently when he started in the FA Cup against Wigan last round, and I think he deserves a chance to start here against Blackburn. Michael Carrick has not played in a few games, but this game could be a chance for him to get back on track.
AML- Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Mkhitaryan did not play in the game against Saint-Etienne during the week, so he should be well rested to play on Sunday against Blackburn.
AMC- Wayne Rooney
Rooney has not played in a game since February 1st, so I think Jose Mourinho will try to make sure he starts this game.
AMR- Jesse Lingard
Jesse Lingard has not gotten a ton of playing time this season, but he has thrived when he plays at this position. According to WhoScored.com he has played 6 games as a AMR with one goal and two assists with a very impressive 7.18 rating.
ST- Marcus Rashford
Zlatan scored a hat trick against Saint-Etienne on Thursday, and he has earned a rest. Rashford needs the chance to start occasionally, and this looks like a good game for him to return to the lineup.
