Manchester United vs Hull City: Predicted Starting XI

The Red’s play host to Hull City on Saturday afternoon following a mammoth victory against Arsenal at The Emirates last weekend. United will be looking to make it their third straight victory in a row whilst their opponents come into the game having suffered three consecutive league defeats.

The big news ahead of the game is that both Radamel Falcao and Marcos Rojo have been back in training this week and are likely to feature in the squad tomorrow. Unfortunately however Luke Shaw is unavailable for a few weeks after sustaining an ankle injury at The Emirates and Daley Blind is still out for a lengthy period. With all this considered here’s the side Louis Van Gaal may pick to take to the field tomorrow:

Goalkeeper

Who else but David De Gea. The Spaniard recovered in time from injury last weekend to play a crucial role in United’s victory at The Emirates. The 24-year-old has been in scintillating form but expect him to have a slighter quieter afternoon tomorrow.

Defence

The manager opted to revert back to three centre halves last weekend in the smash and grab victory against Arsenal. The tactical decision paid dividends but expect him to alternate back to a back four tomorrow against arguably far weaker opponents. As a result I expect the ever impressing Paddy McNair to continue in the side and alongside the youngster Chris Smalling may well feature having shown big improvements last week following his dismal showing in the Manchester derby. Marcos Rojo will more than likely take a place on the bench as Van Gaal eases him back from injury.

With Luke Shaw unavailable and Daley Blind also sidelined the Red’s will have to make do with Ashley Young at left-back tomorrow. The Englishman remained solid when brought on at The Emirates last Saturday. In the right-back position question marks still remain over Rafael’s fitness to Antonio Valencia will more than likely occupy that spot against The Tigers.

Midifeld

I think the central midfield area picks itself tomorrow. Both Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini played crucial roles in the win against Arsenal, helping shield the back three and set United off on the rare counter attack when possible. Expect the pair to continue their partnership against Steve Bruce’s side tomorrow.

In front of the pair Angel Di Maria is a guaranteed starter. The Argentine looked sharper again against The Gunners last weekend and he will be dying to get his name on the score sheet after missing his one on one chance at The Emirates. I also expect Juan Mata to be handed a start tomorrow as Louis Van Gaal opts to go all out attack tomorrow and show a ruthless streak he seemed keen to see from his side in Friday’s press conference.

Attack

Wayne Rooney will be a guaranteed starter. United’s captain was in inspiring form last weekend, scoring a brilliantly taken goal and in general was a strong contender for the man of the match award. There are question marks however as to who will partner the Englishman. Robin Van Persie’s form had been poor whilst James Wilson will be itching for a start and it should be noted that the youngster scored a brace against the opposition in the last home game at Old Trafford last season. However, with Radamel Falcao now with a full week of training behind him I fancy him to be handed the start tomorrow with the manager viewing it as the perfect game to ease his striker back into the side. Hopefully United’s number nine can really start to get his United career going.

 

Predicted Starting XI:

De Gea;

Valencia, Smalling, McNair, Young;

Carrick, Fellaini;

Mata,                        Di Maria;

Rooney;     

Falcao.     

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