Yes, Jose’s team won 4-0. Classic United performance but I’ll bet that the team I chose would have done just as good. Let’s hope we continue that form into tomorrow’s fixture. I am ‘taking Jose’s lead’ in a couple of positions this week. Read on to find out where.
Starting in goal is David De Gea. A virtual spectator for most durations of the match but alert enough to produce a stunning save at the half-time whistle last time around. No questions here as I am not going to leave the best shot-stopper in the League on the bench.
Valencia starts at right-back and he will lead the side out. Eric Bailly starts along with Phil Jones. I am going to leave Lindelof on the bench and introduce him for the final 20 minutes or so should United enjoy a comfortable lead.
Blind started last week and he put in an accomplished display at left-back. Darmian though comfortable here, is not his favorite position. He starts the game on the bench and provides cover for both full-back positions.
Matic occupies his place at the base of midfield and Pogba plays alongside him in a midfield two. This is how we started last week and it worked wonders with Pogba able to play with the freedom he once enjoyed in Turin. Herrera has to be content with a place on the bench though I don’t like to resign him there for a second consecutive weekend.
The front three remains unchanged from last game as Rashford, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata start behind Romelu Lukaku. Mkhitaryan will play in just behind the striker and I hope he can add to his two assists from last week. Mata put in a very solid performance especially in the first half where he dictated things in the offensive end.
Again, the left-back position is the toughest one to decide. Martial had an impact not seen at United since Nani in 2008 as he grabbed a goal and an assist in the 10 minutes or so he played. But Rashford was equally good as he ran the opposing defender ragged with his pace, trickery and intelligence. Both players played incredibly well but Rashford’s linkup play with Lukaku is what helps him keep his place in the side.
Should injury stay away and we get placed in a position similar to the one enjoyed last week, Martial will play the final 30 minutes or so the match giving him more time to express himself.
Lukaku starts up front and he is in for another feast in Wales. The side will lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
On the bench: Romero, Lindelof, Smalling, Herrera, Fellaini, Lingard, Darmian.
So folks, that’s what I would do to secure the three points in Wales. Onto Jose and his team to get the result……