The Man United fans in the Transfer Tavern were left seething after their ignominious defeat to Huddersfield at the weekend but have an excellent opportunity to return to winning ways against a struggling Swansea side.
Jose Mourinho’s men succumbed to a 2-1 reverse at the John Smith’s Stadium as they slipped five points behind fierce rivals Man City at the Premier League summit. It was their first loss of the new campaign and only the second league match they’ve failed to record a clean sheet in so the result would have come as a huge shock. Perhaps they’re missing Paul Pogba? Perhaps the Portuguese manager’s conservative tactics backfired? Or perhaps it was merely a minor blip in what still promises to be a profitable season?
In any case, our resident Red Devils at the bar will be seeking a swift response from their team and they travel to South Wales on Tuesday night to take on Swansea in the EFL Cup. Paul Clement’s side are languishing in 15th place in the league table, with goal difference the only factor keeping them out of the relegation zone following five defeats in nine games to commence the Englishman’s first full season in charge at the Liberty Stadium.
And with that record in mind, United should field this XI (4-2-3-1) to inflict further damage on the Swans…
David De Gea
The former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper has established himself as one of Europe’s best after a difficult time initially at Old Trafford. Sergio Romero will likely deputise for the Spaniard and whilst he’s a competent replacement, his ability is incomparable with the talents of De Gea and won’t instil as much confidence in the players occupying the United rearguard.
De Gea stands out because he is capable of producing saves that the vast majority of keepers would fail to pull off, making him truly of the finest shot-stoppers.
Antonio Valencia
This man’s rise from spritely Wigan Athletic winger to imposing, consistent Manchester United right-back is remarkable. Despite the copious amounts of money expended at Old Trafford to enhance the squad in recent years, Valencia has managed to hold down a starting berth and make the position in United’s back-four his own.
His physical attributes were never in question as he is one of the World’s quickest footballers and is incredibly strong despite not even being 6ft.
But it’s the way he’s adapted to defensive situations that has allowed him to flourish in both that regard and providing an attacking outlet- exhibited when he scored a terrific goal against Everton this season.
Axel Tuanzebe
With Phil Jones and Eric Bailly unavailable and Victor Lindelof’s catastrophic display against Huddersfield evidence that he still requires time to adapt to the English game, young Axel Tuanzebe warrants a chance at the heart of the defence.
He made his debut at right-back in a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal back in May and impressed but his long-term future should see him develop into a commanding centre-half.
His speed is invaluable to any team and he demonstrates an understanding of the game befitting a far more experienced individual.
Daley Blind
The versatile Dutchman has been utilised in a variety of positions for club and country because of his tactical flexibility and intelligence.
And whilst Chris Smalling is more physically suited to partner Tuanzebe, Blind offers the technique of a midfielder as well as the defensive instincts of a left-back that combine well to form an excellent ball-playing centre-back that will help guide the youngster beside him.
Moreover, Swansea’s approach is characterised by intricate passing sequences and moving between the lines rather than launching crosses into the box so Blind’s diminutive stature will be less problematic.
Ashley Young
Similar to Valencia, Ashley Young has been converted from a winger to an accomplished full-back. He has shown remarkable commitment and discipline to maintain his place in the United squad and repeatedly fend off the threat of players such as Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian to his position at left-back.
His offensive potential is obviously an asset but it’s his ability to defend against some tricky wingers with great poise and diligence that makes him a reliable option.
Nemanja Matic
When Chelsea sold their midfield general to a divisional rival, the decision surprised many and the Blues are arguably feeling the effects of his departure.
Meanwhile, the Serbian has shone in his new surroundings by providing a robust shield for United’s back-four as well as displaying a cutting-edge to his passing that often goes unnoticed.
He commands the centre of the park with his towering figure and superb positioning and has only enhanced his reputation as one of the best at doing his role.
Scott McTominay
The prospect brought through from United’s academy has featured sparingly under Mourinho but having signed a new contract this week, it appears he could still make an impact in the first-team.
The 20-year-old has shown an ability to break forward from deep in the minimal opportunities he’s been afforded and the EFL Cup represents the ideal chance for him to show the full extent of his powers. And placing him alongside the experienced Matic will benefit him in the tough moments.
Juan Mata
There aren’t many players that offer the creativity and ingenuity from wide areas that Juan Mata does. He is regularly featured behind the striker throughout his career but has found himself deployed on the right more often than not since transferring to Old Trafford in 2014.
And from that position, he is able to drift infield and bolster United’s numbers in the middle before carving a defence open with his supreme vision and passing whilst also providing a palpable goal threat.
Jesse Lingard
Lingard started in the Premier League for the first time against Huddersfield and wasn’t able to exert a tangible influence on the contest.
However, his speed, directness and confidence going forward have been useful to United’s offensive dynamic previously.
The 24-year-old can be inconsistent and is unlikely to hold a regular starting berth at Old Trafford but his goalscoring potential and intelligent movement make him an important squad member and he these are the type of games he can make a real impact in.
Anthony Martial
The prodigiously gifted Frenchman starred in his first year in Manchester and whilst he has been inconsistent and increasingly frustrating for United fans, he has shown in a series of impactful substitute appearances this campaign that he still possesses tremendous potential.
His dribbling prowess down the left-flank have tormented many right-backs and when he gets into striking positions, he is rarely inaccurate with his finishing- his shooting style has been compared to that of Thierry Henry’s.
And if he is to convince Mourinho he should be a regular fixture in the Premier League and Champions League, a good display against Swansea is essential.
Marcus Rashford
One of the hottest prospects around at the moment, Marcus Rashford’s fearless attitude allows him to play with an expression and a freedom that not many can rival.
The teenager has shone since reaching the first-team and has already become an integral player in the national team as well. In truth, that has been a consequence of his performances on the wing with limited opportunities as a striker.
However, his movement and composure in front of goal makes him an ideal centre-forward and whilst he is very unlikely to usurp Romel Lukaku in that role anytime soon, the cup competitions represent the perfect chance for him to prove he’s an adequate replacement when needed.
