v Competition: Barclays Premier League Venue: Old Trafford Time: 1:45am (BST) Channels: BT Sport (UK) Manchester United injuries: Evans (Knock), Shaw (Hamstring), Valencia (Leg), Welbeck (Knee), Rafael (Groin/Pelvis), Anderson (Calf/Shin) Carrick (Ankle/Foot) Swansea injuries: Fulton (Knee), Routledge (Ankle/Foot), Donnelly (Ankle/Foot), Emnes (Cartilage Knee), Britton (Knee) Last Season Encounters: 4-1 win at Liberty Stadium (BPL) - August 17 2-0 win at Old Trafford (BPL) - January 11
I'm lazy but I figured we needed this, basic info is there, anyone has more to add and I'll edit it in. Cheers
Lineup: De Gea Smalling Jones Blackett Young Herrera Fellaini James Mata Januzaj Rooney Sub: Fletcher, Johnstone, Nani, Chicha, Keane, Kagawa, Cleverley RVP injured, no?
As long as Evans and Rafa don't have miracle recoveries, expect Keane and Fletcher on the bench to be used as defensive subs if necessary. Other than that, the team and bench pretty much picks itself. The only real question is Kagawa, Fellaini or Cleverley in CM and whether we'll see Januzaj or Chicharito starting next to Wayne. I'm of the opinion that we should be playing RvP into fitness as a substitute.
Agree. I would play Januzaj as the second striker, just off Rooney. Fletcher in midfield with Herrera.
I'm betting on the same 11 that started on Tuesday. If anything, Januzaj will come in for Cheech - he looked bright when he came on as a sub, and it's better if one of the forwards can carry the ball a bit. Also, it has to be said that if I'd told anyone when this fixture was announced that we'd (in all likelihood) be starting Blackett, James, Young, and Fletcher people would have been losing their minds. Now, basking in the glow of new season optimism people don't seem worried about it, but if we're being honest that's an extremely weak team we're putting out there at the moment.
First game of the season and James and Blackett are both almost guaranteed to start. ******** off Woodward.
LvG talking to MUTV, it sounds like Rafael is fit again. If so, we'll likely see him on the right and Young on the left. Good news if true.
With Carrick injury and having been named vice captain, can't see how it can fail to be Fletcher/Herrera in CM. Agree Rafael / Young likely wingbacks given injuries if Rafa OK. Cheech most likely up front with Rooney given pre season.
If we get the Fletch from preseason to carry on in the league, he has to get picked right now. Fletcher, Herrera, Carrick injured, Anderson out of favor, and Cleverley. Fletch has to play.
Well with Rafa available that changes my earlier thoughts. I didn't think LVG would want to go into a match with just one defensive sub available, but if Rafa can play from the start, we have a little bit more freedom not just with who we pick back there, but also who we play in midfield. Fletch to start and Young to LWB that just sets the team up. I think Cheech is wasted starting the game for us. I'd much rather give an hour to Januzaj and play Cheech or RvP as a sub to close the game.