How we expect United to line up this afternoon at the King Power Stadium.
Manchester United travel to newly promoted Leicester City this afternoon looking to build on the thrashing that they handed out to the Foxes’ fellow Championship companions from last season, QPR, on Daley Blind and Falcao’s debuts at Old Trafford last weekend.
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Saturday in Pictures
Louis van Gaal has increased options thanks to the return to fitness of the likes of Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw, but this is how we expected United to line up at the King Power Stadium:
GK) David de Gea
The Spaniard is clear and undisputed Old Trafford number one having been one of few that can be criticised for the last 12 months at the club.
RB) Rafael
Seemed to have fallen out of favour earlier in the summer, but his return to the side last week gave United more balance on the right hand side and he is likely to keep his place as a result.
CB) Jonny Evans
Lack of options in the heart of the defence make Northern Irishman Jonny Evans a genuinely vital player for United.
CB) Chris Smalling
Has returned to fitness and may edge ahead of youngster Tyler Blackett in the reckoning for a central defensive place – although Blackett did little wrong last week.
LB) Marcos Rojo
Argentina international Marcos Rojo was so impressive raiding from left back last weekend that van Gaal is unlikely to consider giving Luke Shaw a full debut.
DCM) Daley Blind
Had a hugely significant impact for United playing in the anchoring role against QPR last week – his ability to help them keep the ball had a real effect.
CM) Ander Herrera
The Spaniard was absolutely superb for United last weekend on his return from injury, running the midfield and bagging himself a goal with a crisp strike from the edge of the box.
CM) Angel di Maria
After obliterating QPR with his freedom and movement, di Maria may have to be slightly more disciplined against a Leicester side that is likely to be far more well organised and likely to exploit space left by United.
ACM) Juan Mata
His goalscoring record for United recently is exemplary and continued last weekend, almost certainly earning him another start despite patchy all-round displays.
SC) Wayne Rooney
Van Gaal suggested this week that Rooney is all-but undroppable and we certainly don’t expect him to lose his place here after a good display against QPR.
SC) Radamel Falcao
With Robin van Persie struggling for both form and fitness this season, van Gaal may well opt to give Falcao a full United debut in the East Midlands alongside Rooney.