Star Returns To Starting XI – Projected Manchester United Line-up To Face Middlesbrough

Goals from Daley Blind, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were enough for the Red Devils to take all three points from their previous game against Sunderland as Mourinho’s side made it 4 wins in 4 going into the last game of the year. They are currently 13 points off the table and will welcome Aitor Karanka’s Middlesbrough side who are fresh from a loss to Burnley. Mourinho will be happy with the performances of his side recently and will hope that they can end the year on a high but Boro have been difficult to beat this season and are expected to put on a decent fight. Here is the predicted lineup that the manager might field for this game:

Team News:

In early team news, Mourinho’s squad is healthy and does not pose too many problems ahead of this game. Skipper Wayne Rooney who missed the previous game with a knock is expected to be back in action but Luke Shaw, who has been on the sidelines for a while now, will undergo a late test to prove his fitness.

Formation: 4-3-2-1

David de Gea:

The Spaniard is among the best goalkeepers in Europe at the moment and is an automatic starter for United in this game against Boro.

Antonio Valencia:

The first choice right back for Mourinho, Valencia, has been decent in the last few games and should continue featuring for Mourinho’s side.

Phil Jones:

The English international has slowly cemented his place in the starting XI with some good performances and he should keep his place in the side.

Marcos Rojo:

The Argentine full-back has been excellent at the heart of the defence for United and is the perfect partner for jones at the moment.

Daley Blind:

After scoring a goal in the previous game, Blind, will be high on confidence and Mourinho should stick with him for this game.

Ander Herrera:

The Spaniard has been an impact player for United in the midfield this season and he should keep his place in the side for this game.

Michael Carrick:

The veteran midfielder has added the balance to the squad that was missing earlier in the season. His partnership with the Spaniard Herrera is a delight to watch.

Paul Pogba:

Enjoying a decent time in his preferred place in the midfield, Pogba, is now having an effect on every game and he is a definite starter for Mourinho on the night.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan:

Having scored a screamer in the previous game, Mkhitaryan, who is now back to full fitness, should start this game at Old Trafford.

Anthony Martial:

Having missed out on a place in the starting XI in the last few games, Martial, should be pushed back into the first team. He needs more time on the pitch to get his confidence back.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic:

The top goals scorer for United this season, Zlatan, is in sublime form off late and will be the biggest threat for Middlesbrough.