David De Gea
Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo
Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger
Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, Anthony Martial
Wayne Rooney
Louis van Gaal looks likely to return to the line up that won an emphatic 3-0 victory against Everton last weekend.
With Schweinsteiger and Rojo being subbed off against CSKA Moscow in midweek one could assume that they were being rested for today’s contest against Manchester City.
Even without David Silva, Manchester City still have one of the best midfield rosters in the Premier League. Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin will have to work non-stop to cancel the advances of City’s mighty midfielders.
Rojo and Darmian will need to be very careful when going forward as the Blues host two of the quickest wingers in the league. Jesús Navas and Raheem Sterling can tear apart any back four, and will look to do so at Old Trafford.
Despite being a constant starter at the beginning of the season, Juan Mata has now been on the sideline for over 135 minutes with Jesse Lingard and Memphis Depay taking over his right wing role. But he is expected to start in this crucial game.
Against Everton, last weekend, Ander Herrera in attacking midfield and Rooney up top proved to be very fruitful for United. Rooney scored and so did Herrera, who also claimed an assist.
Martial proved to be just as venomous on the wing as he has done in the striking role. His willingness to bomb into the box and take on any defender makes him lethal in any forward role.
Given the strength and speed of Manchester City’s interim striker, Wilfried Bony, Jones will be needed alongside Smalling to outmuscle the Ivorian sharpshooter.
The game kicks off at Old Trafford at 14:05 and will also be broadcasted on Sky Sports 1 HD.
