Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are gearing up for what will be an important and possibly season-defining festive period.
Man United host Burnley on Boxing Day in the hope to grab a much needed three points, having recently been dumped out of the Caraboa Cup by Championship side Bristol City, the fixture pile up in the new year has eased slightly. The focus now, more than ever should be on clawing back the gap between themselves and local rivals Man City who sit clear at the top of the Premier League.
In Mourinho’s bid to revitalise the team, many players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the winter window. Although the current first team squad must impress to keep their place first. However, Mourinho continues to chop and change his team in certain positions until he finds the perfect balance within his starting eleven.
Rest is key over the Christmas period and things can change massively with a few quick wins under their belt, our landlord thinks that by axing these two players, Mourinho stands a chance of going into 2018 with some much-needed momentum…
Nemanja Matic
The ever-present Serbian midfield man has been possibly one of Mourinho’s best United signings to date. Matic controls and breaks down the opposition’s play with ease and is a key part to United’s season, despite this, Mourinho should rest Matic to protect him from burning out later on in the season.
An extended rest over Christmas could work tenfold in Mourinho’s favour further down the line, with the second half of the season looking like it’s going to be a tough one in United’s bid to finish the highest they’ve finished since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
Marcus Rashford
The United and England star has featured in all of the Red Devils’ games this season, whilst rotating in the left wing spot with Anthony Martial. Rashford is a young and hungry player who has risen to become a United regular starter very quickly since his surprise call-up by former boss Louis Van Gaal a few seasons ago.
Even youngsters need rest and one match out here could see revitalised and build some huge momentum, especially going into a World Cup summer, where most fans will look to Rashford for inspiration, much like United have done over the year.
