Match to be played on Saturday 11th January 2014 at 17:30. Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester.
Manchester United have a chance to get some revenge over Swansea City this weekend just days after the Swans dumped David Moyes’ men out of the FA Cup.
United are under pressure as they endure up and down periods of form and bad results this season, which have eradicated any momentum they have managed to put together.
Here’s the side Moyes could go with as United aim to move inside the top six.
GK – David De Gea
De Gea should continue in goal. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League despite the number of goals that United have conceded this season and he should be confident.
RB – Rafael
Rafael should start down the right hand side of the defence. He’s a very quick player which means he can get up the field and recover well when United attacks start to break down.
CB – Chris Smalling
Injuries to Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans in the last two games mean that Smalling will more than likely be asked to play through the centre of defence. It’s a role he’s done many times before.
CB – Nemanja Vidic
It’s a big ask for Vidic to play again so soon after the Sunderland defeat but Moyes doesn’t really have a choice. Vidic should be confident and determined to play well after bagging a goal in the League Cup semi-final first leg.
LB – Patrice Evra
United need Evra to really step up and show his quality and experience in this game. He is someone that opposition teams try to exploit due to his lack of pace but he’s still a very good defender.
RM – Antonio Valencia
Valencia is a good option on the right because his pace is an asset going forward and he’s got the experience to cover at right-back if Rafael gets caught out of position or is forced to leave the game.
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CM – Michael Carrick
Carrick is one of the best in the business when it comes to roaming the midfield. He reads the game well and can stop key Swansea players from getting on the ball and hurting United through the middle.
CM – Shinji Kagawa
Kagawa has to play in his more natural position through the middle. He can protect the ball and get forward to support the attack. United need control in midfield right now and that’s just what the Japanese star can produce.
LM – Adnan Januzaj
Januzaj looks like he’s going to be a very special player for the time he’s in United colours. He’s always looking to make something happen and he has the ability to turn the match on its head.
ST – Wayne Rooney
Rooney has been suffering with a groin problem but if he’s anywhere close to being fit, Moyes has to get him into the team. His experience and quality in attacking and dropping into midfield is priceless for the side.
ST – Danny Welbeck
Welbeck should continue up front at the very top of the attack. If things aren’t going well then he’s good enough to drop off to either side of the pitch, which will allow Moyes to make tactical changes.
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