Manchester United face Sunderland next in the Premier League, when they visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday. They have been struggling for any sort consistency this season and with rumors regarding Van Gaal’s departure and Jose Mourinho’s imminent arrival increasing day by day, United find themselves in a very uncomfortable spot. Last week’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea would have felt like two points dropped after United dominated majority of the match. Sunderland are struggling for survival right now but they always start doing well around this period, hence United should be careful.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
The first name on the team sheet every week, De Gea is sure short starter. He justified his selection with a string of superb saves against Chelsea last weekend. One of the few players Mourinho will be desperate to keep, if he joins United in the summer.
Defenders: Matteo Darmian, Cameron Borthwick Jackson, Chris Smalling and Daley Blind
Darmian’s return from injury boosted the confidence of United supporters and It’s unlikely that Van Gaal will change anything in defense. Which means both Darmian and Borthwick Jackson should start as right and left backs respectively, while Sunderland will look to target Jackson, given his age and lack of experience. Smalling has been fantastic for the Red Devils this season and deserves his place in the starting XI if fit. Daley Blind will partner Smalling in the centre, both of them have been very resolute and solid in the centre.
Midfielders: Morgan Schneiderlin, Michael Carrick, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial
Carrick is one of the most consistent players at Old Trafford, with him in the centre of the field United look much more secure. His vision and passing ability is second to none. Fellaini was good against Chelsea but we expect Van Gaal to bring in Schneiderlin for this one. Pulling the strings in the midfield will be the Spanish pass master Juan Mata. He is tipped to leave the red of Manchester once Moruinho arrives.
Lingard opened the scoring against Chelsea with a superb goal and has been in good nick recently, therefore deserves a starting place in the team. Martial has enjoyed a good start to his English Premier career and has shown glimpses of his brilliances on many occasions.
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Striker: Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney is enjoying a rich vein of form currently and is one of the few World Class players left at United. He Should start every match from now till the end, if not injured.