The reds make the long trip South on Sunday for the final game in what has been a miserable season. The game is essentially a dead rubber, although a win for United could result in qualification for the Europa League if Spurs slump to a home defeat against a very poor Aston Villa side. Sunday’s showdown will see Ryan Giggs fourth and final game in his short tenure at the helm, so expect the Welshman to be going all out to give United fans a day to remember.
The team news ahead of Sunday’s game is that Wayne Rooney is set to miss out again with his groin injury and Phil Jones is a guaranteed absence after badly injuring his shoulder against Hull City on Tuesday night. Aside from this Ryan Giggs has a full squad to choose from, so here’s how United could line up against The Saints:
Goalkeeper
Manchester United’s players player and supporters player of the year, David De Gea, is a guaranteed starter yet again. He has been one of the few positives of a dismal campaign and will hopefully not have too much work to do on the coast this Sunday.
Defence
With Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand both starting on the bench against Hull City, and Patrice Evra apparently not involved because of a virus, expect the trio all to start on Sunday. It will certainly be Nemanja Vidic’s last game, but it could also be the final bow out for two other United greats in the defence. At right back Rafael could be in contention if he has gained full fitness but I expect Antonio Valencia to get the nod after his pleasing performance on Tuesday night.
Midfield
Michael Carrick had a decentish game the other night, and as we all know with United’s lack of quality in midfield, he should start again on Sunday. Maroune Fellaini was very poor again against Hull City so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tom Cleverley get yet another chance in the side. On the right flank Adnan januzaj should have forced his way into the side after his man of the match performance against The Tigers, and Danny Welbeck will potentially get a start on the left hand side. With the U21 final on Wednesday night, Giggs may well have his hand forced when deciding whether to go with youth again.
Attack
James Wilson is likely to be brought back down to earth and rested for Wednesday night so Robin Van Persie will start up top for the reds. Not a bad replacement! Juan Mata then should get the nod in a free role behind the Dutchman, mixing up a combination that United fans have not been lucky enough to see this season.
Predicted Starting XI:
De Gea;
Valencia, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra;
Carrick, Cleverley;
Januzaj, Mata, Welbeck;
Van Persie.
Who do you think will start on Sunday for Manchester United. Comment in the section below.
10 replies on “Southampton vs Manchester United: United's Starting XI?”
please give us van gaal.us nani right wing januzaj in left wing mata cleverly in the middle R.V.P and chicharito in front
please give us van gaal.us nani right wing januzaj in left wing mata cleverly in the middle R.V.P and chicharito in front I think it will be good like that.
To me, all internationals, specially for England, will not play :
– Risky game (as WC is soon, players will not play 100%)
– Useless game
– Away game
De Gea
Valencia Jones Vidic Evra
Carrick Fellaini
Januzaj Mata Kagawa
Van Persie
I cannot understand why you and many others still ignore the fact that our best performances have been when Mata and Kagawa play behind the forwards.
I would even rather see Kagawa played in midfield instead of Cleverly, God, he cannot do any worse.
De gea
Valencia, Ferdinand, vidic, evra
januzaj, kagawa, mata, Perreira
Wilson, Van persie.
Perfect test for experience and youth and then giggs should be subbed on around half time to get some playing time.
For played with youngster this match is not important and will make no differences if we win. Common united introduce us more young talented player with fans love to see them played
We want entertainment i don’t care if we lose. I just want to see young player after wilson and lawrances
De Gea
Valencia Rio Vida Evra
Kagawa Carrick Cleverley Januzaj
Mata
RVP
No Carrick, Rio, Vidic, and Evra please, need to look into the future. How Carrick was given a freepass even though he didn’t do anything against Hull is baffling. I thought Hull’s goal was because Carrick was slow to react.
if the formation is 4231, play Felli-Clev