Louis van Gaal managed to guide Manchester United to a 1-0 win over Sheffield United this past weekend, however, the performance was abysmal. Now van Gaal will hope the winning ways continue as they travel to Newcastle United in a Premier League weekday match up.
Currently United sit in 5th place in the League table, just 3 points behind Tottenham. If the poor play continues, van Gaal’s days will certainly be numbered, as the board will insist United stay competitive for the last Champions League spot.
Here is the strongest possible lineup for Manchester United on the night-
Goalkeeper
David de Gea did not have much to do in the win over Sheffield United, but with an away match he should see his work increase. With United’s dismal display continuing, de Gea must be looking for greener pastures in Real Madrid, where Champions League play is almost guaranteed.
Defence
The England International, Chris Smalling and Daley Blind will almost certainly resume their partnership this Tuesday in Newcastle. Smalling had little to do, but his bringing the ball out from the defence was on display, which has been an improvement over recent campaigns.
In the full back positions, van Gaal will deploy Matteo Darmian and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson. Borthwick-Jackson was the notable inclusion in the FA Cup win, which saw the young Englishman playing very confidently, contributing on both sides of the pitch.
Midfield
Bastian Schweinsteiger picked up an injury in FA cup match, so he remains a doubt for this match. Morgan Schneiderlin has also been rested since he has been playing too many matches of late, so van Gaal will look to the pairing of Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini in the defensive midfield.
In the wide positions, look for the return of Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard to the startling 11. Memphis was impressive coming on for Ander Herrera, earning the penalty that ended up winning the match.
Juan Mata and Ander Herrera will make their way back to the bench with both failing to impress in recent weeks. Mata, the former two-time Chelsea player of the year, has gone missing and if Depay and Lingard start to gel, it may be hard for the Spaniard to make his way back into the starting 11.
Wayne Rooney’s late penalty winner saved United from an embarrassing defeat and with the lineup changes being made, he’ll be the likely choice in the attacking midfield role. His match was poor overall, but he’s now scored in his last two matches in all competitions.
Attack
With van Gaal shuffling the lineup around and Rooney dropping back into midfield, Anthony Martial is the only logical choice in attack. The young striker continues to defy expectations and remains the most dangerous player in attack.
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
