Manchester United host Norwich City at Old Trafford this weekend with Louis van Gaal’s men desperate to get back to winning ways after some inconsistent performances.
United suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth last Saturday having previously ousted from the Champions league at the group stage; a blow that has left them looking ahead to the second tier European competition, Europa League football in 2016; and to turn around things have to change as soon as possible at Old Trafford.
United are currently sitting 4th in the league table and while they are only six points behind league toppers Leicester City, their goal-shy nature this season is starting to become an alarming factor, especially with the talent van Gaal has in his disposal.
On the other hand, Norwich are right now languishing 18th in the league and will be looking for a victory of their own in a mission to climb out of the bottom three.
The Canaries are behind Swansea City just on goal-difference and knows the importance of a victory at Old Trafford.
According to early team news, Manchester United are without a lot of players including Chris Smalling, Matteo Darmian, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ander Herrera. Louis Van Gaal would look to get the best out of his team as he looks to keep pressure on Arsenal, Manchester City and Leicester for the league title.
While he would not want the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham to take over from them if United drop points against Norwich. Add to that, Chelsea are also a threat if they could find a manager which helps the team to put points on table.
Here is the predicted United line-up for this weekend’s clash.
Formation : 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper:
David de Gea is certain to start between the sticks once again on Saturday as the Spaniard will be looking for a clean sheet.
Defence:
Louis van Gaal’s problems in defence still remain unsolved as Chris Smalling and Matteo Darmian are expected to be on the sidelines because of injuries they sustained against Wolfsburg last week. With Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw also in the injury list due to long-term injuries, the Dutch manager is right now low on options at the back.
However, the good news is Phil Jones made a late appearance coming from the bench in last weekend’s surprising 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth that means the Englishman should return to the defensive duty partnering Daley Blind while Ashley Young might get a chance in place of youngster Cameron Borthwick-Jackson. The two side backs will be Varela and Young.
Midfield:
Morgan Schneiderlin was back on the reserve bench last weekend and he should get a return in midfield with Marouane Fellaini likely to be getting the axe despite scoring last time out. As Bastian Schweinsteiger still suspended, Michael Carrick should continue in the middle of the pitch.
Attack:
Ander Herrera might return to the starting lineup after several weeks sidelined with a hamstring injury and the Spain international could replace Jesse Lingard in attack after the talented Englishman was forced to leave the field against Bournemouth with a knock.
There have been rumours on the fitness of Wayne Rooney so we’ll have to wait and see what van Gaal has to say at his press conference tomorrow but the striker has a bright chance to return recovering from a foot problem, if he plays the skipper will lead the attack with Anthony Martial and Juan Mata in support.
