Manchester United will resume their Premier League campaign with a late kick-off on Saturday against Stoke City. The Red Devils shared the spoils home and away during the previous campaign as both matches ended in a 1-1 draw. Last season’s game at the Bet365 Stadium was memorable for United legend Wayne Rooney (now at Everton), who became the club’s all-time goalscorer with a sublime free-kick to pull scores level in the 94th minute.
Mourinho will be expected to field a strong lineup against the Potters as he would want to continue with the club’s perfect start to the season. The Champions League game against Basel in midweek will be on the back of the manager’s mind, and he could probably ring in the changes early, should they gain an early advantage at Stoke.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Lineup:
Spain international David de Gea is a sure starter after having featured in all four games for United. The central defensive pairing may not be tweaked with both Eric Bailly and Phil Jones suspended for the Champions League game. Antonio Valencia has captained the side from right-back in recent games, and he is a certainty to start alongside Matteo Darmian, who could get the nod over Daley Blind. Blind has looked particularly average at club level, and Mourinho may seek a change.
Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba have developed a strong partnership in central midfield with the former proving a commanding influence. The Serb has won nearly every 50/50 challenge and looks to have freed up Pogba higher up the field. No changes predicted…
Juan Mata has swapped from the number 10 to the right-wing role this season, and this has probably suited him and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, in particular, who has five assists in three outings. The Armenian has excelled in a role just behind the main striker, and he appears to be showcasing his best form from his Bundesliga days. The pair
The pair are likely to retain their places while they could be a straight swap between Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford on the left-wing. Rashford notched his first goal of the campaign against Leicester City coming on as a substitute, and he has since enjoye success with the England national side. The teenager bagged two assists and a goal in the recent World Cup qualifiers, and he could be picked by virtue of his current form.
Romelu Lukaku has been in top form for club and country this season, and he is a definite starter up front after accumulating a tally of four goals in four competitive outings for United.
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