Predicted Man United XI vs CSKA Moscow: Rooney shunted, Young in defence

Manchester United go into tonight’s Champions League game at home to CSKA Moscow looking to end a run of three consecutive goalless games.

The Red Devils have not scored since Anthony Martial netted an equaliser in last month’s 1-1 draw with CKSA in Russia.

As United’s most likely scorer, Martial is expected to start at Old Trafford. Here’s the team we think Louis van Gaal will pick in full.

GK: David de Gea

One player who may be fairly happy with being involved in 0-0s is goalkeeper De Gea. The Spaniard has kept clean sheets in three of his last four games.

RB: Ashley Young

United are likely to dominate possession against CSKA, but LVG doesn’t really use wingers, so it may be hard for his side to stretch their opponents without the use of attacking full-backs. Young is certainly attacking!

LB: Marcos Rojo

With Luke Shaw injured, Rojo is LVG’s only reliable option at left-back.

CBs: Chris Smalling and Daley Blind

Smalling and Blind have played in all five of United’s Champions League games this season, as well as forming one of the Premier League stingiest defences.

CMs: Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera

Morgan Schneiderlin is doubtful, while Bastian Schweinsteiger’s form is well below Carrick’s. Herrera offers some much-needed creativity.

AM: Juan Mata

Mata’s Champions League stats so far this season are pretty decent – one goal and one assist in two appearances.

AM: Jesse Lingard

Has come closer than any of his teammates to ending United’s goal drought, hitting the woodwork in each of their last Premier League games.

AM: Wayne Rooney

LVG doesn’t seem prepared to drop Rooney, but he should at least see sense and move him deeper to allow Martial, who looks sharp, to get into more goal-scoring positions.

ST: Anthony Martial

He scored against CSKA in the away game – after giving away a penalty – and he’ll fancy his chances of adding to his United goal tally – which currently stands at five – if selected tonight.

 

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