Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern have been in high spirits all week after their EFL Cup win last weekend.
It marked the first major trophy to be won by the club under Jose Mourinho and despite Southampton more than deserving to win the competition, too, it was the Red Devils that emerged victorious.
That final could just prove to be the beginning of another United period of success but, whilst we wait to see if that’s the case, more immediate engagements see them return to Premier League action this weekend.
The men from Old Trafford host Bournemouth as Eddie Howe’s men go in search of an unlikely result to help them get away from the relegation whirlpool.
Our landlord can’t see them getting much out of this one, though, and reckons if United go with this line-up they’ll surely take all three points to help their Champions League surge…
GK: David De Gea
A no-brainer. If United are to finish in the top four then De Gea will be a part of that for sure.
RB: Antonio Valencia
Will Valencia be United’s right-back past this season? We’re not sure. But, what we do know, is that right now he is their best option and a pretty sturdy one at that.
CB: Chris Smalling
Chris Smalling is back in the side and looks like he could be there for some time. Phil Jones should count himself a little unlucky that he’s not getting much of a look-in, though.
CB: Eric Bailly
Bailly has shaken off his injury issues from the start of the season and now he looks set to try and forge a strong partnership with Smalling at the back.
LB: Matteo Darmian
Darmian has improved this season and may be able to stake a claim going into next year. Then again, Luke Shaw might actually be acknowledged by Mourinho.
CDM: Ander Herrera
Herrera is the midfielder United need to help break play up and get about the pitch. With him in the side they look more mobile centrally.
CDM: Paul Pogba
Will Michael Carrick start? It’s up for debate. The Englishman came on at half-time in the EFL Cup final but if he’s not ready for 90 minutes Pogba will play deeper.
RAM: Jesse Lingard
After scoring in the final Lingard deserves another start, here. He just needs to find more consistency because the talent is there.
CAM: Juan Mata
With Henrikh Mkhitaryan an injury headache, Juan Mata may get to play in his best position. Expect chances galore if he does.
LAM: Marcus Rashford
It’s a real toss-up between Rashford and Anthony Martial with both probably preferring to play as the striker. Our landlord has gone with the Englishman, here.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
One of the first names on the team-sheet. The powerful striker has defied all his critics and will continue to go in search of the Golden Boot this weekend.
Thoughts, United fans? Let us know below!
