Charlie Skillen
Team (4-3-1-2): De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Shaw; Herrera, Blind, Di Maria; Rooney; Van Persie, Falcao.
Justification: “Van Gaal will have to make the best out of a poor selection of defenders. He can keep the marauding full-backs of Valencia and Shaw, but Jones and Rojo will have to form a decent partnership – quickly. The signing of Blind should add a bite to midfield previously lacking, while he can also drop into a back three if the full-backs are bombing on. Attacking-wise is clearly a different story – Di Maria can add creativity from a midfield position while Rooney will also drop deep, leaving Van Persie and Falcao as the deadliest duo in the league. Juan Mata will be the odd man out and see his second consecutive January transfer.”
Joe Ridge
Team (3-5-2): De Gea; Rafael, Jones, Carrick, Rojo, Shaw; Herrera, Blind, Di Maria; Rooney, Falcao.