Strongest Manchester United XI to Face Liverpool: Striker Left Out

Manchester United welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford on Saturday, United’s unbeaten run in the season ended before the international break with the defeat against West Ham. Van Gaal is under pressure to justify their recent spending (close to 250m) and trying to get a balance between flair and solidity. United trail leaders Manchester City by 5 points and definitely need a win this weekend if they are to have any chance of winning the league.

 

Goalkeeper: David De Gea

It is certain that David De Gea will start against Liverpool ahead of Sergio Romero after he signed a new contract with Manchester United.

Defence: Shaw, Smalling, Blind, Darmian

Van Gaal has stuck to his set defence line till now and with three clean sheets in the season, he has no reason to make a change right now. The irreplaceable full-back duo of Shaw and Darmian have been excellent in the early stages of the campaign, hence are preferred over the other options by Van Gaal. Smalling has been superb this season, solid at the back while leading the whole team defensively. Blind will in all likelihoods continue to Partner Smalling at the centre of defense.

Midfield: Mata, Depay, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Herrera

Michael Carrick is unlikely to be fit in time for this match, after picking up a knock on international duty for England. That means Schweinsteiger will partner Scheiderlin in midfield. United’s new expensive arrival Anthony Martial is likely to start on the bench, but his introduction is guaranteed at some point in the match. Herrera will start as an attacking midfielder in the centre while Mata and Depay will play along the wings.

Striker: Wayne Rooney

Fresh from his record-breaking exploits with England during the two-week break, where he became the top goalscorer in the history of English football, Rooney is confirmed on the United team sheet for most of the season. His experience and leadership is very much the part of Van Gaal’s plan.