Louis van Gaal leads Manchester United out into the Champions League for the very first time in what looks like a relatively straightforward qualifying round against Club Brugge. United missed out on last season’s competition after a disappointing season under David Moyes and would be desperate to get back into the elite tournament and fight it out with the big boys.
Let’s take a look at the United team expected to take the field on Tuesday.
Goalkeeper – Sergio Romero
David De Gea is in the squad, but is unlikely to start given the unsettling transfer talk surrounding him. Sergio Romero should continue after impressing in his first two games for the Red Devils.
Defence – Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw.
Matteo Darmian has been rock solid so far and has all the makings of the no-nonsense right back United haven’t had since Gary Neville hung up his boots. Defensively diligent and effective going forward, Darmian could be the signing of the summer.
Chris Smalling was ever present against Spurs and Villa and looks ready to finally fulfill his potential at United, while Daley Blind has done a magnificent job at centre back, particularly in the aerial duels.
Luke Shaw is young and talented and if he stays fit, this could be the season the youngster establishes himself as a long term prospect for the team.
Midfield – Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Mata, Januzaj, Depay.
Bastian Schweinsteiger looked busy on the ball on Friday night and looked to ignite the play with his silky touches and vision, and could be preferred over the more defensive minded Michael Carrick. Morgan Schneiderlin has been immense with his work rate and should take his place over Herrera and Fellaini.
Juan Mata was the only bright spark against Villa and seems to be relishing his right wing role with the freedom to drop in centrally and find those telling passes, like the one which set up Januzaj for the goal.
Memphis Depay has cut a frustrated figure at times in the first two games, but there’s no doubting his quality and endeavor. The goals will come for sure.
Louis van Gaal could go with a 4-3-3 with Ander Herrera maybe slotting in as the third man in midfield but Januzaj’s goal and overall performance might earn the Belgian another start.
Striker – Wayne Rooney
Rooney has been awful at times, passing wayward and control absent. But you get the feeling the England captain needs a goal to get his confidence back, and this would be a nice way to announce himself and United on the European stage once again.
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