Manchester United vs QPR: United's Starting XI?

A heavily revamped Manchester United side host Queens Park Rangers on Sunday afternoon as Louis Van Gaal’s side look to gain their first three points of the season. Excitement has built over the past couple of weeks and United fans could well get their first chance to see several new faces on show including that of Radamel Falcao. Rio Ferdinand also makes a much anticipated return to Manchester and the Englishman will undoubtedly get a great reception by the Old Trafford faithful.

The good news for the Red’s is that plenty of players have recovered from injury including Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw and Rafael Da Silva as well as new signing Marcos Rojo finally being granted his work permit. The high profile injury news is that Phil Jones, Marouane Fellaini, Ashley Young and James Wilson all join Michael Carrick, Jesse Lingard and Chris Smalling on the physio’s table. I have a feeling Van Gaal may ditch the much publicised 5-3-2 formation this weekend and go with the following team:

Goalkeeper

David De Gea will almost certainly remain in-between the sticks for the Red’s as he will look to build on his clean sheet at Turf Moor and keep out the West London side on Sunday afternoon.

Defence

Marcos Rojo could more than likely make his debut with both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling out with injury. Jonny Evans will almost certainly partner the Argentine and I expect Van Gaal to ditch the three at the back. Luke Shaw should be in line to make his much anticipated debut at left-back with Ashley Young now out injured and I expect Antonio Valencia to retain his place at right-back despite Rafael now being available for selection.

Midfield

Louis Van Gaal has spoke about using new signing Daley Blind in the defensive midfield role and I expect him to do just that on Sunday. Alongside the Dutchman, Ander Herrera should be in line for his second start in a United shirt having recovered from injury. The manager then may have a possible dilemma on his hands as to who plays in front of the pair; I expect him to stick with Juan Mata however.

Attack

Supporters around the world will be praying that Radamel Falcao is handed his Manchester United debut and this could well be the case with Robin Van Persie having played the full ninety minutes for Holland on Wednesday. I then expect record signing Angel Di Maria to slot in one side behind the Colombian striker with Wayne Rooney taking the other place after a good performance midweek for England.

 

Predicted Starting XI:

1. De Gea;

25. Valencia, 6. Evans, 5. Rojo, 3. Shaw;

17. Blind;

21. Herrera, 8. Mata;

7. Di Maria                                10. Rooney;

9. Falcao.

 

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