Sam Cunningham
Team (4-1-3-2): De Gea; Rafael, Jones, Rojo, Shaw; Blind; Rooney, Mata, Januzaj; Van Persie, Falcao.
Justification: “With that many forward options, Manchester United need to revert to Liverpool’s hyper-attacking formation of last season to get the most out of them. Even then, there is still no place in my side for new-boy Di Maria. Mata gets the nod for me, to give him a chance to return to the devastating form he produced in the No 10 role for Chelsea. Herrera is also sacrificed in that formation, with Blind’s defensive ability required over Herrera’s diverse passing range. It also opens up a space for Januzaj on the left wing. He is one of the brightest young talents in world football, so it is astounding he’s not first choice already. Rooney is forced into the right of the three attacking midfielders behind the strikers, but I feel his future lies further back.”
Laurie Whitwell
Team (4-1-3-2): De Gea; Rafael, Jones, Rojo, Shaw; Blind; Di Maria, Rooney, Herrera; Falcao, Van Persie.
Justification: “This system is a defensive risk but Blind performs the screening role ahead of the back four excellently, and would allow the likes of Di Maria and Herrera scope to get forward to do damage. Those two up front would scare the daylights out of any centre-backs and Rooney can pull the strings. Shaw needs to get fit and Rafael produce consistency but they are full-backs of quality. Rojo sneaks in ahead of Evans after his MK Dons horror show.”