Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping that they have finally found their feet and are not out of the title hunt.
Having endured a slow start to the season, the Red Devils are starting to reclaim their swagger of old.
Manager Jose Mourinho was accused of putting together a team with a conspicuous lack of identity and style, but the players in red have started to play like a team and held their own at the back whilst also troubling opposition defences.
Belatedly, Mourinho has decided on a front six that seems to strike the right balance.
While they conceded plenty of possession to Spurs on the weekend, they never look threatened.
United won’t base their game on possession, just winning – as is Mourinho’s way.
Plenty of regulars and United fans have at least partially attributed United’s improvement in performance to Wayne Rooney’s absence.
It was a big decision for Mourinho to drop the captain against Spurs, though Rooney came back in for the victory over Palace in the week.
Do you agree with the landlord’s Man Utd starting XI? Let me know in the comments below….
GK: David De Gea
United have been lucky to keep De Gea from being lured by Real Madrid, and the Spaniard is a genuine world-class keeper.
Guaranteed starters for the Red Devils are few and far between this season, but De Gea is an exception.
Although West Brom are unlikely to test him too much, he must stay alert if United are to claim all three points.
RB: Antonio Valencia
Having missed the Crystal Palace match through suspension, Valencia should return to action against West Brom. Under Mourinho, he has recaptured the form that saw Sir Alex Ferguson sign off on his signing from Wigan.
One of the strongest defenders in the league, Valencia has made the transition from a speedy winger to an uncompromising defender. West Brom are unlikely to get any change out of the Columbian on Saturday.
CB: Marcos Rojo
Few United fans in the Transfer Tavern predicted he would become a mainstay in the centre of United’s defence this season, but Rojo has earned his spot after a string of great performances.
Another assured performance will boost his confidence further and vindicate Mourinho’s decision to bring him in. More importantly for Man United, it will likely mean another clean sheet.
CB: Phil Jones
Ostracised by Van Gaal, the England international has fought his way back into United’s starting XI under their new Portuguese manager.
Having formed a physical partnership with his Argentinian partner, both centre backs embody the fierceness Mourinho likes to see from his players.
The 24-year-old is still young, especially for a defender, but having been at Man Utd since 2011, this is an important season for Phil Jones if he wants to remain at the club for the foreseeable future.
LB: Daley Blind
Many United fans in the Transfer Tavern have a soft spot for Blind’s curly locks and cultured left foot, but they are reminded that he can be a defensive liability, not least because he is particularly slow.
That said, United are not blessed with top quality left backs. Shaw is out of favour with Mourinho, with rumours abounding about his poor attitude, and Darmian failing to impress this season.
Fans of the Red Devils will just be hoping that the Dutchman plays well as part of an improving defensive unit.
CM: Michael Carrick
United fans in the Transfer Tavern were worrying the 35-year-old was becoming something of a fine wine, getting better with age but only making rare appearances.
That has since changed, and there is a clear correlation between Mourinho’s decision to draft him into the starting XI and the Red Devils’ upturn in form.
Like any good wine, Carrick compliments what’s around him and United always miss him in his absence. He must start against West Brom.
CM: Ander Herrera
Much was expected of Herrera when he arrived from Athletic Bilbao for almost £30m, but his game has had to adapt to the more physical Premier League to offset his slight frame.
This season he has become a key part of the Manchester side’s midfield, displaying a great range of passing and the odd goal.
He also links defence and attack, meaning his stamina will also play a key part in getting the better of West Brom.
CM: Paul Pogba
Despite not yet hitting the heights that he did in Italy, the world’s most expensive player must be allowed to find his feet in the Premier League.
The French midfielder has shown glimpses of his true ability with a cracking strike against Swansea. The Red Devils will be hoping he can produce something similar on Saturday.
While the United fans in the Transfer Tavern take some flack for his underwhelming performances, they know they’re most likely to have the last laugh sooner or later.
RW: Juan Mata
As has been well covered, Mata has been a surprise inclusion in United’s starting 11.
However, Mourinho has found the diminutive Spaniard a tailored position where he can float inside off the flank.
This has ensured he was always involved in United’s attacking build up. But what will have most pleased Mourinho and fans of the Red Devils is Mata’s goal tally.
He has notched five goals in all competitions so far.
United will be hoping he can add another on Saturday.
LW: Antony Martial
It speaks volumes of the French prodigy that he is keeping England’s very own hot prospect Marcus Rashford out of the United team.
Martial’s searing pace and composure in front of goal has helped United regain their confidence and record impressive victories against Spurs and West Ham.
With an array of talent behind and beside him, Martial can expect plenty of chances to bury the Baggies and grab his first Premier League goal this season.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Despite his age, the enigmatic Swede has proven a real handful for Premier League defenders.
His unmatched combination of physicality and skill has helped him score eight goals in the league.
He will bully West Brom centre backs Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley, holding up the play and continuing to link up with Mata and Martial.
With Ibrahimovic up top, It is sure to be a long day at the office for West Brom’s defence.
