Manchester United have a chance to win their first trophy under Jose Mourinho on Sunday, as they will match up against Southampton in the EFL Cup Final. Unfortunately Manchester United could possibly be without key players Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Phil Jones, and Michael Carrick due to injury, but they will still be the favorites to win the match.
GK- David de Gea
Sergio Romero has played the last three games for Manchester United, but David de Gea is still Mourinho’s top choice goalkeeper, so I would expect him to return to the lineup for this Cup Final.
LB- Daley Blind
Blind played a fantastic game at left back against Saint-Etienne during the week, and he deserves to start here in the Cup Final on Sunday.
CB- Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo
Eric Bailly was dreadful in his midweek appearance, and Phil Jones is still battling an injury, so Smalling-Rojo seems like the most likely center back pairing for this game.
RB- Antonio Valencia
Ashley Young has had some good performances recently, but Valencia is still clearly the best option for Jose Mourinho at right back. Valencia is a good defender, and he also provides a great offensive contribution with his passing and dribbling skills. He has definitely been one of Manchester United’s better players this season.
CM- Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera
Pogba and Herrera are both having great seasons, and they deserve to start in this Cup Final. Herrera provides a great defensive contribution, leading the team in tackles and interceptions, while Pogba provides more of an offensive contribution, leading the team in key passes and dribbles completed.
AML- Anthony Martial
Martial had been on a very strong run of form before a poor performance against Blackburn in the FA Cup last week. With Mkhitaryan likely out, Mourinho has less alternative options to replace Martial in the lineup, so it seems very likely that he will start this game.
AMC- Juan Mata
Mata has been playing well recently, and he has been at his best when playing in a central role so far this season. He will be useful in breaking down Southampton’s defense, as I would imagine they will come out with a defensive mindset.
AMR- Jesse Lingard
Henrikh Mkhitaryan could play here if healthy, but I do not think he will be fit enough to start this game. Lingard scored the game-winning goal for Manchester United in the FA Cup Final last season, so hopefully he can recreate more of that magic in this game against Southampton.
ST- Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan has rediscovered his goal-scoring form, having scored 5 goals in his last 5 appearances. He is clearly Jose Mourinho’s best option at striker at the moment, and will surely start in this game.
