Manchester United were held to a goalless draw at Tottenham on Sunday. United would feel a little hard done by the result as they batter Tottenham in the first half and it was thanks to Hugo Lloris that the score stayed 0-0 at the half.
United stayed third in the league and look strong to secure a UEFA Champions League position, they next face a tough trip away to Stoke City who seem to enjoy playing the big teams. They have already beaten Manchester City & Arsenal and will look to do one over another big club. With the games coming so fast for the clubs, there may be some tinkering done by Louis Van Gaal and here we try to predict the strongest possible Manchester United side that easily beat Stoke City (at-least on papers).
David De Gea
Can there really be any doubt about who starts in goal for the Red Devils? Barring some freak injury, no one should replace De Gea, who is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.
Paddy McNair
The young centre back has looked calm and composed and has kept out veterans like Chris Smalling out of the team and should continue in the 3 man defence.
Jonny Evans
The Northern Irishman seemed to be on his way out but it seems that there has been a revival of sorts and he should continue playing in defence.
Phil Jones
If the defence isn’t broken why fix it? Phil Jones has also become a better player since his first starts with United under Van Gaal and should play alongside Evans and McNair in the heart of the defence.
Rafael Da Silva
Rafael came on in the second half for Valencia against Tottenham and could be given a start against Stoke City to provide some rest to the Ecuadorian.
Ashley Young
The English winger is revelling in his new role as a wing back and seems unable to do anything wrong. He might not be the best option as a wing back but for now he should keep his place in the United team.
Michael Carrick
Carrick seems to be the one midfielder who can keep his place and do well. His passing ability is next to none in the team and he keeps ticking the United attack at all times.
Juan Mata
The Spaniard might not be playing at his best but with Di Maria injured, Van Gaal doesn’t have a choice and should continue with Mata in midfield.
Wayne Rooney
Rooney has been reinvigorated in his new role behind the strikers and seems to love it. He might not have scored against Tottenham but he is slowly becoming the main attacking threat for United and should continue in his role.
Radamel Falcao
Falcao and Van Persie seem to be getting better the more games they play for the club and changing a partnership which is growing shouldn’t be tinkered with in the first place.
Robin Van Persie
Robin Van Persie and his strike partner did almost everything they could but they couldn’t break the hold of Tottenham, he should start in front against Stoke as well.