Predicted XI: Leicester City vs Man United

Last week’s game against Queen’s Park Rangers saw Louis Van Gaal move away from the 3-5-2 formation and United lined up in a 4-4-2 diamond formation.

In his pre-match interview Louis Van Gaal stated that the change was due the lack of fit defenders to field a back three. With Phil Jones out injured and Luke Shaw only slowly coming back to full fitness the back four looks like its here to stay. Jonny Evans who is slowly learning how to kick a ball again after a failing to do so in his first two games should start alongside Youngster Tyler Blackett with Rojo and Rafael in fullback positions. By the way how good is it to have Rafael back in the side anyway ? Yes, you aren’t the only one who missed him.

The game against Queens Park Rangers will forever be remembered as the day United finally fielded a proper midfield after 3-4 years. The midfield diamond was a joy to watch against QPR. Calm composed when needed and energetic and creative when driving forward in attack. Without a doubt the strongest midfield performance by a United side in the past 18 months. Blind in the holding role with Herrera playing right central midfield and Di Maria on the Left and Mata in the hole. Mata was absolutely brilliant against QPR mainly due to the fact that for the first time this season he had some movement around him from the central midfielders and overlapping full backs. Hopefully it will be more of the same for Leicester City vs Man United, and Van Gaal sticks with the same midfield. Why change something if it’s working brilliantly?

If there was any doubt as to who amongst the duo of Rooney and Van Persie should be dropped to accommodate Falcao little or no doubt is left after the QPR game.  Van Persie failed to make an impact on the game in anyway and was clearly off the pace. Falcao should replace him in the starting lineup with Rooney retaining his place…..and of course spanish Dave in Goal.

Manchester United predicted line-up:

(4-4-2 diamond)

De Gea

Rafael Evans Blackett Rojo

Blind

Herrera                Di Maria

Mata

Falcao             Rooney

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