I am quite certain that if you asked 100 Manchester United fans who was their first choice back 4 and goalkeeper, then you would probably receive 100 different combinations.
With key matches against Arsenal and Liverpool looming, there are a few tough choices Sir Alex Ferguson has to make. Some think David de Gea has the ability to become a true great goalkeeper, providing he can work out how to handle crosses and corners. His aerial game is non existant due to the less aerial game in Spain. It's more shot stopping over there and that is why I think de Gea will start against Arsenal. However some will point to Anders Lindegaard's performances and say the evidence points to him being a more consistant performer. Due to Andy Carroll's height and the amount of crossing Liverpool should employ, I think Lindegaard should start in the FA Cup game.
Moving on to the right back position. Rafael da Silva is brilliant going forward. Ability of being a great attacking wing back. However he cannot tackle without conceding a freekick, foul and walks a disciplinary tightrope each match. I wince in advance when I see him tracking back or going in for a 50-50 challenge. While Phil Jones can play this position you lose something playing him there and that is why if fit Chris Smalling has to play there. His rise from non league to Premier League then international level has been amazing. He reads the game so well, is quick and athletic for his build and he delivers a good pass as well.
In the absense of Nmenja Vidic, United have found themselves light in that area. Rio Ferdinand, Johnny Evans and Phil Jones have all played but it is Ferdinand and Jones who have to be the partnership for a run of games. Ferdinand has lost that little in his legs but his mind makes up for that. All he needs to do is adjust his game to a more sitting role. With Phil Jones alongside him you are guaranteed a guts and thunder player. His determination to make every block and tackle sets an example to the whole team and yes at times he gets unlucky with own goals and deflections but he is in those areas making the effort to douse the fires before they happen.
Obviously at the moment Patrice Evra is largely untouchable at left back. Fabio da Silva is a decent player in both directions but where he can tackle unlike his twin brother he has turned into one of those players who is always injured. It will be interesting to see how Evra handles the inevitable stick he can expect from the Anfield faithful.
This is how I would start the Arsenal and Liverpool games. Lindegaard should start in goal in both games as it is unlikely that Fergie can keep chopping and changing them for such vital games. For the purpose of Liverpool Lindegaard has to be the man. Then you would have a back four of Smalling, Ferdinand, Jones and Evra with either a three man midfield of Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes or, considering Valencia is miles better hugging the touchline, I'd have Valencia, Carrick, Scholes with either Ryan Giggs or Javier Hernandez on the left. I'm not a nani fan. Never have been and he hasn't won me over yet. I couldn't risk him for either game. That would leave Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney up front.
With only Ashley Young the only player United are awaiting a return of it is down to the bare minimum and options are tight. Those lineups should see 3 points at The Emirates and 4th round triumph at Anfield.
Who makes your United starting XI. Comment in the box below.
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