How we expect the Red Devils to line up for their Premier League clash with Spurs.
Manchester United travel to White Hart Lane for a lunchtime kick-off today, with Louis van Gaal’s side looking to consolidate third place in the Premier League with a positive result against Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur, who have really found some form in the league lately and are now within touching distance of the Champions League places.
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This is how we expected van Gaal to line up for United’s second game within the space of 48 hours:
GK) David de Gea – The Spaniard is undisputed first choice for United and has probably been the Red Devils’ player of the season so far.
CB) Chris Smalling – Could return from injury in place of Paddy McNair, who had a nightmare in a recent away game at Southampton, despite a good display against Newcastle on Boxing Day.
CB) Jonny Evans – Northern Ireland international Evans is now the senior man in United’s defence, but needs to stay fit for long enough to prove that he deserves that billing.
CB) Phil Jones – Another player who needs to prove both fitness and form, although has put in a couple of good displays for his manager recently.
RWB) Antonio Valencia – Was one of United’s brightest players against Newcastle and is steadily adapting to a new role as a wing back.
LWB) Ashley Young – Whilst Luke Shaw is expected to be fit enough to make the squad, he is unlikely to be risked with Young coping well on the left.
CM) Michael Carrick – Has possibly been United’s best player during their recent resurgence, with his midfield display alongside Wayne Rooney crucial on Boxing Day.
CM) Wayne Rooney – Seems to be at home in the centre of midfield and proved his worth to the team with two brilliantly taken goals against Newcastle.
ACM) Juan Mata – Is steadily scoring more goals and notching more assists as the Spaniard finally shows signs of recapturing his wonderful Chelsea form in a red shirt.
SC) Robin van Persie – Has hit a patch of decent goalscoring form, which was needed after a worryingly ineffective start to the season.
SC) James Wilson – Despite Radamel Falcao’s fine display against Newcastle, fitness worries are likely to dictate that he cannot play again less than 48 hours later.
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