Manchester United continued their brilliant run of form after claiming a huge 3-0 triumph over Liverpool on Sunday.
Such an emphatic victory over their bitter rivals would have certainly been sweet for the Red Devils and the sense of optimism has now well and truly returned to Old Trafford once again.
The confidence is so high in the United camp at the moment that there have even been murmurs of an unlikely title challenge.
However, before the Red Devils can get ahead of themselves, they should realize that there is still a lot of improvement left to be made in terms of performances despite their fantastic winning run.
Up next for United is a clash against Aston Villa and although Louis van Gaal’s men look favourites heading into the game, they must avoid complacency against an unpredictable Villa side.
Here is the Strongest Possible Lineup for Manchester United on the day –
Goalkeeper
De Gea was imperious for United once again
It might be the most repeated statement of the season but David De Gea has been Manchester United’s best player so far.
The Spaniard simply cannot do no wrong at the moment and put in another brilliant performance last week by frustrating Liverpool time and again.
De Gea has truly matured into a top class goalkeeper this season and he will be hoping to maintain his fine run of form against Villa on Saturday.
Defence
Valencia proving to be quite the revelation at right wing back
The injury curse hit Manchester United once again as Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo were ruled out of the clash against Liverpool last time out. In came Phil Jones and Jonny Evans as replacements and barring a couple of shaky moments, it has to be said that the duo did well.
As a result, Jones and Evans should once again retain their place in the lineup while the calming influence to the three man centre defence will be brought by the ever reliable Michael Carrick.
Traditional wingers, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young have been thriving in a wing back position during United’s wonderful winning run and van Gaal will see no reason to change things around, even if the likes of Rafael and Luke Shaw do indeed make a return from injury. Smalling has been ruled out of the clash, while Rojo is a doubt.
Midfield
Mata slowly returning back to his best
The three man midfield consisting of Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney did well against Liverpool and it would not be a surprise if the trio starts once again for the clash against Aston Villa.
Mata and Rooney were dangerous throughout the game and will be looking to exploit the weak Villa backline. As for Fellaini, the Belgian midfielder endured a bit of a roller coaster match as his tackling was superb but his passing left a lot to be desired.
Fellaini will most likely keep his place in the lineup on Saturday but if van Gaal wants better distribution of the ball, Ander Herrera could also be in contention.
Star man Angel Di Maria might be fit in time to feature for the clash but will probably not be risked from the start. The likes of Daley Blind, Jesse Lingard and Anderson remained sidelined.
Attack
van Persie will be looking to continue his great run of form
The Manchester United attack looked potent once again and it was their clinical finishing which proved to be the difference in the clash against Liverpool.
Leading the line for the Red Devils on the day was Robin van Persie and after having found the back of the net once again – the Dutchman will be looking to continue his rich vein of form against Villa as well. It will be interesting to see who starts alongside van Persie though.
James Wilson did put in a lot of effort against Liverpool but the young man lacks the cutting edge in the final third and as a result, Radamel Falcao could be finally handed a start – if he is able to prove his fitness to van Gaal.
(5-3-2)
Via – Lineup Builder
