Strongest Manchester United Line-up To Play Against West Ham Without Rooney And Van Persie

Manchester United will be looking to build on their mini impressive run of form in the Premier League when they take on West Ham United in this weekend’s Premier League action. David Moyes’ side will be looking for their fourth win in as many games in just a span of ten excruciating days. The Red Devils have enjoyed a recent resurgence in performance of the overall squad getting wins in the Premier League, reaching the semis of Capital One Cup and reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League.

David Moyes led United currently are ten points behind league leaders Arsenal lying on the table. However the defending Champions will be looking to cut the gap as they run into West Ham at Old Trafford in this week’s Premier League action. Sam Alardyce’s men will be making the long trip north of England in an attempt to frustrate United and will be looking to get at least something from the match.  West Ham currently are struggling in the Premier League, currently lying just a point and a place above the relegation zone. With the home team looking forward to take all three points from the encounter what will be United’s strongest possible line up to face the Hammers.

Click on the next page to have a look at the possible starting XI moyes would deploy against West Ham United

Goalkeepeeing and Defence:

David De Gea has to be wary of the Hammers’ front men up front as the Spaniard is expected to be called into action quite a lot of times at the Theatre of Dreams. However to help his cause will be the solidity of the defensive line in front of him. While Rafael is expected to play in the right back slot, Patrice Evra, who recently claimed that united needs to live up to their “Champion’s Spirit” will definitely play in the left back role. Johnny Evans and Rio Ferdinand are expected to fill up the central defensive partnership  as David Moyes  looks to get back his campaign back on track.

Midfield:

Micheal Carrick’s absence will mean Moyes is sure to play Phil Jones in the defensive midfield role pairing up with Tom Cleverley. The double pivot in the centre of the park will have to  make sure they don’t allow the Hammers midfield have no space and play between their channels. Adnan Januzaj, the young kid who is making great strides each passing game and looks a fine prospect for the future, will again start in the left wing role, capable of switching positions with Anton Valencia on the right. The latter was in fantastic form last week and was simply undefendable against Aston Villa albeit his trademark incisive runs and darts inside the box.

Striking Force:

Both Rooney and Van Perise are out as the latter is losing his race against time to be fit for the game. The latter though is a bigger casualty and will only return in late January or early February. Quoted by ESPN, Moyes confirmed that Rooney “is injured” and when asked if he would have him back for the festive period, the Scot replied: “We hope so”. This means unless Rooney passes the late fitness test, the in form striker Danny Welbeck is expected to start.