The Red’s make the short trip to Turf Moore in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday seeking their first win under new manager Louis Van Gaal. The talk all week has been about new record signing Angel Di Maria and the Argentine is due to make his debut this Saturday. This has raised questions over a potential change of formation, with Van Gaal possibly opting to change from his favoured 5-3-2 formation to accommodate United’s new number seven.
The manager will make hefty changes the squad that suffered the humiliating 4-0 defeat to MK Dons on Tuesday. New signing Marcos Rojo is still unavailable having still not secured a work permit and Shinji Kagawa will miss out after suffering a concussion at Milton Keynes and is edging closer to a move back to Germany. Also unavailable are Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick and Jesse Lingard. As a result, here’s how the Red’s may line-up at Turf Moore:
Goalkeeper
David De Gea will undoubtedly start between the sticks again after the Spaniard has started all three of United’s games so far this season. United’s number one will be looking forward to getting a settled back-line in front of him sooner rather than later.
Defence
Due to the shortage of central defenders Van Gaal may possibly revert back to a back-four. If this is the case then Rafael Da Silva may come in at right-back after returning from injury and Ashley Young may well get the nod at left-back again due to United’s shortage in that area. In central-defence I expect Jonny Evans to continue in the middle alongside Tyler Blackett with the youngster getting yet another invaluable chance to impress.
Midfield
I have got a feeling Van Gaal may go with a 4-3-3 style formation tomorrow to accommodate the new signing. With a lack of midfielders available due to injuries and Cleverley’s imminent transfer then I can see Phil Jones coming into the centre of the park to partner Darren Fletcher. Juan could then play slightly in front of the pair as the manager tries to accommodate all the attacking talent at his disposal.
Attack
Angel Di Maria will hopefully be handed a much anticipated debut and may feature on the right hand-side of United’s attack. Robin Van Persie returned successfully from injury against Sunderland so will form the focal point of the team and Wayne Rooney may be pushed out onto the left hand-side of the three. Expect plenty of interchanging however if all three do feature at Turf Moore.
Predicted Starting XI:
De Gea;
Rafael, Evans, Blackett, Young;
Fletcher, Jones;
Mata;
Di Maria, Van Persie, Rooney.
6 replies on “Burnley vs Manchester United: United's starting XI?”
I love this line up las keep this one for ever
Dont see him moving away from the 3-4-3 formation
De Gea
Evans-Jones-Blackett
Valencia-Fletcher-Clev-Di Maria
RVP-Mata-Rooney
Wing back role will suit Di Maria as it isolates him one on one with opposite full back and has the trickery to beat his man.
Then from a defensive prespective- the 2 holding midfielders can fill in if his out of position and in addition he has the stamina to get back
Your predicted formation is an interesting one but I don’t think it will happen. Cannot see Di Maria being selected as an out and out right-sided attacker. Wouldn’t mind if he were.Think he will play somewhere across the middle.
Has the Rojo work permit definitely not been granted yet?
I think he stays with the 3-4-1-2. Moves DiMaria into central midfield. With Rojo’s permit issue and Herrera still injured, I say Young gets a shot on the left again unfortunately. Would love to see Powell and James in there instead of Fletcher and Young, respectively.
DeGea
Jones, Evans, Blackett
Valencia, Fletcher, DiMaria, Young
Mata
Rooney, RVP
We all know his favorite system is 4-3-3. But when the defense and midfield lack quality, he will go for a more secure 3-5-2. When he is able to get the right level players to play 4-3-3, he will play that system. His favourite system throughout his career at all the topclubs he won trophys with
I wud love a 3232 to be used. degea
Jones Evans blackett
Fletcher Valencia
Dimaria mata young
Rooney Rvp