Manchester United could name an entire team of injured players…
Everyone connected with Manchester United have understandably been bemoaning their current injury concerns. Indeed, United could name an entire team of injured players. But if they did, would that XI be able to beat their current side upon returning to full fitness?
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An intriguing concept admittedly, but here is a comparison of the two teams by position – which would you prefer to play Arsenal?
GK) David De Gea (available team) vs Victor Valdes (injured team)
Okay, we’ve been a bit cheeky straight off the bat by including Valdes, but we needed a goalkeeper to make this work, and the deal does look all but done.
Who would you choose? Our ratings – De Gea: 9/10 Valdes: 7/10
RB) Antonio Valencia vs Rafael
A close choice this one, Rafael is the more established full-back, but Valencia has done well in his absence so far this season.
Who would you choose? Our ratings – Valencia: 7/10 Rafael: 7/10
CB) Paddy McNair vs Jonny Evans
McNair has impressed this season, but is still young and inexperienced in comparison to Evans, who United will be eager to have back.
Who would you choose? Our ratings – McNair: 6/10 Evans: 8/10
CB) Chris Smalling vs Marcos Rojo
Smalling has made his mistakes so far this season, and Rojo – the World Cup finalist with Argentina – would probably be the preferable choice if fit.
Who would you choose? Our ratings – Smalling: 7/10 Rojo: 8/10
LB) Tyler Blackett vs Luke Shaw
Blackett is yet another impressive youngster called into action this season, but Shaw is the most expensive teenager ever for a reason.
Who would you choose? Our ratings – Blackett: 5/10 Shaw: 8/10
CM) Ander Herrera vs Phil Jones
The little Spaniard has impressed in spells so far this season, and would be a fixture in the United midfield when fit.
Who would you choose? Our ratings – Herrera: 8/10 Jones: 6/10
CM) Marouane Fellaini vs Daley Blind
Fellaini is steadily improving and is starting to win a few people over, but Blind has been one of the stand-out players for United this season, and will be a big miss.
Who would you choose? Our ratings – Fellaini: 6/10 Blind: 9/10
RW) Juan Mata vs Jesse Lingard
He may have his doubters at Old Trafford, but Juan Mata is the only choice you can make here.
Who would you choose? Our ratings – Mata: 8/10 Lingard: 5/10
LW) Angel di Maria vs Ashley Young
Another clear choice, Young has been given a second chance at United, but Di Maria is one of the best in the world.
Who would you choose? Our ratings – Di Maria: 10/10 Young: 6/10
AM) Wayne Rooney vs Michael Carrick
An unfair comparison considering there difference in positions, but Rooney would be your man for an attacking line-up.
Who would you choose? Our ratings – Rooney: 9/10 Carrick: 7/10
ST) Robin van Persie vs Radamel Falcao
A very difficult choice to finish on, both players have underperformed so far this season, and neither is an automatic choice.
Who would you choose? Our ratings – Van Persie: 8/10 Falcao: 8/10
Available XI: De Gea, Valencia, McNair, Smalling, Blackett, Herrera, Fellaini, Mata, Di Maria, Rooney, Van Persie; Score: 83/110
Injured XI: Valdes, Rafael, Evans, Rojo, Shaw, Blind, Jones, Lingard, Young, Carrick, Falcao; Score: 79/110
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