Strongest Manchester United XI To Face Chelsea: Rooney Has To Start

Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Chelsea

Louis van Gaal must be feeling the pressure after yet another loss for his club. Manchester United were outplayed and outclassed by Stoke City as they succumbed to their fourth defeat in the row and now are in serious jeopardy of missing out on the Champions League if they continue playing in this fashion.

The club lost to a well-drilled Stoke City and didn’t really test Jack Butland, but the bigger story was the fact that Wayne Rooney was dropped to the bench. Many would claim this was a wise move from the manager to drop a player who hasn’t performed all that well but that didn’t really change United’s approach as they lost ground on Tottenham for the top four.

United do have a tough test in the next game as they face Chelsea, who drew 2-2 under Guus Hiddink and with Van Gaal’s job on the line, it could lead to an interesting lineup for the Red Devils. With such an important game coming up in a couple of days, here is the predicted lineup for the Manchester team.

David de Gea

The best goalkeeper in the league should start, no two ways about it, if United want to win the game.

Guillermo Varela

Ashley Young had a horrible game as the wing-back; hence, Varela could get the slot in place of the English attacker.

Phil Jones

Manchester United don’t really have a lot of fit players to play in the centre of defence and Jones has to start against Chelsea.

Chris Smalling

Smalling will have to play a blinder once again if United are to keep a clean sheet and he could well be the player that keeps Van Gaal’s job safe.

Daley Blind

Daley Blind might not be a left-back, but he could well be deployed in that role in hopes of keeping Hazard or Willian quiet during the game.

Morgan Schneiderlin

Schneiderlin was on the bench in the last game but should start for Manchester United as he would have to take on a tough Chelsea team.

Michael Carrick

Carrick is the man who makes all the passes and he should start for United against Chelsea to ensure they have some rhythm in midfield.

Juan Mata

Juan Mata was missing in the game against Stoke but playing against his former side could well stoke up some passion and form for the Spaniard.

Memphis Depay

Depay could be walking a tight-rope but with the club not having any better options, the Dutch winger should start for United.

Anthony Martial

The forward didn’t really do much in the last game but has to start. He is the top scorer for the club with seven goals this season and they will hope for one more against Chelsea.

Wayne Rooney

The other top scorer for United this season, Rooney was benched against Stoke but has to play against Chelsea and play well.