Manchester United fans here at the Football Transfer Tavern have been delighted with their club’s start to the season.
With the Europa League campaign starting soon we thought we’d look ahead to the Red Devils first challenge in the shape of Dutch side Feyenoord.
Despite an obvious focus on the Premier League this season, Jose Mourinho might fancy United’s chances in the Europa League considering the strength in depth at the club.
There is such a long way to go this season but if ‘The Special One’ can find a good balance and rotate his squad, they will really fancy their chances on all fronts.
A good performance will be required no matter what considering Feyenoord’s impressive season in the Eredivisie last year.
With that in mind, the punters here at the Tavern think that this 4-2-3-1 line up will be good enough to blow the Dutch side out of the water.
GK: David De Gea
Jose might consider dropping the No.1 but we don’t see much benefit in that.
He’s by far and away the best goalkeeper United have on their books and their seems no reason to drop him.
He gives the back four in front of him plenty of confidence and his shot stopping ability is second to none.
RB: Matteo Darmian
The Italian has not had the best starts to life since joining the Manchester outfit.
Thursday night could be his chance to show Jose Mourinho what he’s all about – and a good display against Feyenoord could be what he needs to kickstart his Red Devils career.
CB: Chris Smalling
If Eric Bailly continues the form he started with this season then we see no reason for him to be dropped in the Premier League.
However, considering it’s his first season in England, the punters think that a nice rest could do him the world of good and also give ‘Mike’ a chance to show Mourinho what he’s got in his locker.
The competition for places is fierce and Smalling was one of the better performers last season and will want his spot in the first team back.
This will be a good opportunity to do so.
CB: Daley Blind
A calm and composed figure at the back to compliment Smalling’s pace and strength. They formed a decent partnership last season and were one of the best defences in the Premier League last season.
What the Dutchman lacks in speed and strength he makes up for in his reading of the game and tactical awareness. He is the smart and stylish footballer that you have no fear placing you faith in and think he’s perfect for this kind of game.
LB: Timothy Fosu-Mensah
Luke Shaw is United’s number one left-back but it was at this stage last season when he suffered a horrendous leg break, and whilst you don’t want to stop him playing because you fear it will happen again, we don’t see the need for him to play every match.
This is the perfect game to give one of the most promising young full defenders a run out. Fosu-Mensah looked fantastic every time he played for the Reds last season.
With pace and power in abundance he could thrive with opportunities like this to impress on the European stage.
CDM: Marouane Fellaini
The 6 ft 4 central midfielder has had a great start to the 2016/17 season.
Often scapegoated last season for poor, slow and lacklustre performances, Fellaini has begun this campaign reinvigorated by the faith Jose Mourinho showed in him.
He has listened and taken on board all of Mourinho’s advice and it is already paying dividends on the field as his performances have gone up a notch.
He is winning more tackles and interceptions than ever before and he’s the right midfielder for a game like this.
CDM: Paul Pogba
Players of Pogba’s stature should be playing in the latter end of the Champions League, not the Europa League, but United’s fate was sealed last season and he will hope to be back in the elite European competition next season.
However, there’s nothing more that can be done for this season at least and Pogba will want to show off what he can do.
With Fellaini sitting back stifling their attacks, Pogba will be able to roam further up field and be that box-to-box midfielder United have been missing for so many years.
It’s exciting times at Old Trafford once again.
LM: Anthony Martial
He hasn’t lit Old Trafford alight this season but as one of the bright sparks from last campaign, a lot of hope is pinned on his shoulders.
The Frenchman scored for his national team last week so if he can take confidence from that, United will be hoping they can see the best from Martial once again.
Mourinho will expect him to help Fosu-Mensah on the left hand side and as a partnership, the two of them could be lethal considering the lethal pace they both possess.
CAM: Juan Mata
Like Bailly, we don’t think Wayne will need to play in this game and it is the sort of contest that Mata might be able to pull the strings from the CAM position.
He’s had a decent start to life under Mourinho after all the transfer rumours regarding his future over the summer.
However, he’s fought for his place and Jose seems to have faith in the little Spaniard so expect to see him once more in Holland.
RM: Memphis Depay
The Dutchman has had a tough start to life in Manchester.
Expect to see Depay start this game out on the right.
ST: Marcus Rashford
The dynamic England star deserves a starting berth against Feyenoord.
His pace, directness and clinical finishing will strike fear into the Dutch club’s defence on Thursday night.
