Predicted Manchester United XI to play Sunderland – Rojo to start, RVP to return

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Match to be played on Sunday 24th August 2014 at 16:00. Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will be hoping his team can bounce back away at Sunderland following home defeat on the first day of the Premier League season.

United have added Marcos Rojo to their squad following his move from Sporting Lisbon and the Argentine could go straight into the starting side for the match at the Stadium of Light.

Here’s the side LvG could select for the game.

GK – David De Gea

De Gea has been one of United’s most consistent players since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. He starts.

CB – Michael Keane

If LvG sticks with a 3-5-2 formation then Keane could find himself with a chance in the middle of a back three. It’s a risk but with a lack of centre-back options, the boss may not have a choice.

CB – Chris Smalling

Smalling is likely to find himself right in the middle of the backline for this game. He needs to be sharp.

CB – Tyler Blackett

Blackett was thrown in at the deep end by van Gaal last weekend but with Jonny Evans injured, he should stay in the side.

RWB – Phil Jones

Jones could play out wider on the right in the wing-back role. He’s well suited to the role and can drop into a central defensive position if needed.

LWB – Marcos Rojo

Rojo should go straight into the side. He’s good going forward and will provide much needed balance down the left hand side of the defence.

CM – Darren Fletcher

United need Fletcher to step up and provide a level of calm and control in the middle of the team.

CM – Ander Herrera

Herrera will be better off for the game against Swansea. He needs to be the man who controls the pace and flow of United’s attacking play.

AM – Juan Mata

Expect Mata to play as the most advanced of the central midfielders. He’s good enough to win this game on his own.

ST – Wayne Rooney

Manchester United need their captain to have a big game while other key members of the side return to fitness. He has to drop off into midfield at times or United will be over exposed.

ST – Robin Van Persie

The time may have come for LvG to get RVP back into the team. A lack of match fitness means Javier Hernandez may replace him but the stakes have been upped following that opening defeat.