Manchester United's 4-1-2-3 Predicted Starting XI vs Chelsea: Rashford & Martial Start

Manchester United may not have left Russia without conceding a goal in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie with FC Rostov, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s first half strike and the absence of any injuries after the poor playing conditions gave Jose Mourinho some positives.

The United manager’s thoughts will have surely now turned to Monday evening, however, with his side travelling down to Stamford Bridge for an FA Cup quarter final with his old club. Chelsea’s 4-0 win when these sides last met in October seemed to shake United out of their early season stupor, with Mourinho’s side losing only once since, and the Portuguese will be desperate to see his side succeed this time. Here’s how his team might look:

David De Gea will certainly return in goal, taking over from Sergio Romero, who started in Russia. In defence, Luke Shaw’s absence from the Europa League squad could see him earn a place in Monday night’s team, with Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly acting as United’s most in-form centre backs at present. Antonio Valencia, who started the Rostov game on the bench, comes in at right back.

Michael Carrick took no part in Thursday’s game, and should start behind Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera in midfield.

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic banned for United’s next three domestic fixtures, and having taken no part in events in Russia, Marcus Rashford should earn another FA Cup start, having featured in all three rounds so far. Mkhitaryan was substituted in the second half on Thursday, presumably with his game in mind, and should start on Rashford’s right, with Anthony Martial on the left.

Let us know what you think of this starting XI in the comments below!