It’s a real tricky one this. While many still believe that Manchester United are miles off the pace in terms of title contention, few if any sides can boast so many players of the quality of Rooney, RvP, Di Maria and Falcao – perhaps only Manchester City have as many top class individuals. Incidentally, we still think that when Falcao hits top form he will be the best player in the league and even outshine Di Maria at Manchester United.
Yes, question marks remain over the defence and midfield. But weekly improvement is discernible and we always felt that things weren’t as bad as was being suggested by the alarmists. When everyone is fit, we think that a pool of defenders which includes Shaw, Rafael, Jones, Smalling, Evans, Rojo, Blackett and McNair is actually pacey, skillful, hungry and pretty decent. Experience is what it lacks most but the average age of that group is very healthy indeed in terms of United’s future.
The weakest area of the squad possibly remains the midfield. If you take Rooney and Di Maria out of the equation – we categorise them as forwards even if they have arguably been playing in advanced midfield roles – the pool of Carrick (33), Blind, Anderson, Fletcher and Herrera is not the most convincing engine room in the league.
Carrick and Blind are class performers but will never dominate a midfield. Anderson and Fletcher are on the wane. And, while Herrera is already a favourite amongst United fans, we think that he’s still got a lot to do to justify the £30m spent on him.
Blind has had a really decent start to his United career but we still think that, when match fit, Carrick’s experience and strength gets him the nod at the base of the diamond this season. Blind is the heir apparent but might have to wait until next season to be first choice. Herrera takes the berth on the right because he offers the most balance and can do a job going forward and in defence.
Up top many of you believe that RvP’s place should go to Wayne Rooney. That says everything about how much better the squad is than this time last year – when few would have dreams of dropping van Persie. But we think that the Dutchman is finding his fitness and form and will score around 20 goals again.
So, with all that in mind, here is our strongest Manchester United XI when everyone is fit. The bench is pretty strong too. Manchester United fans: let’s have your thoughts.
Shaq
Oct 10, 2014 at 10:50 pm
4 Games: 2 Goals, 1 Assist
My team
De Gea
Rafael Jones Rojo Shaw
Carrick Blind
Herrera Di Maria
Rooney Falcao
Dan Toose
Oct 10, 2014 at 11:16 pm
Rooney to RvP’s position.
Mata in as the CAM / No#10.
Blind instead of Carrick – Carrick is too old to intercept a younger, fitter attacking midfielder or striker.
Otherwise – Yes, this is the best starting XI for United.
George
Oct 11, 2014 at 8:37 am
Agree with the line up apart from Carrick, wld prefer Blind, more solid in defence, carrick is good in ball distribution but very poor defensively
kwami
Oct 11, 2014 at 9:09 am
Hw can u bench blind who does all d tackles in d midfield
hiyanzxy
Oct 11, 2014 at 9:38 am
Nice formation but would prefer blind to partner jones at the back instead of been on the bench! Rojo is damn too playful..
Folarin
Oct 11, 2014 at 11:07 am
I would prefer a formation holding Rafael..Jones..rojo.. Shaw. In the defence line, With blind…carrick as DMF And herrerra… ronney… di Maria as AMF leaving only falcao up front. I feel rvp is too lazy with the ball And lvg is adding sentiment to his play…Let him fight for his position So that he can be disciplined a bit. I believe this formation with diligence And full cooperation is unbeatable.
Chris o
Oct 11, 2014 at 12:58 pm
Good combination. For the now, that’s the best manu line up. Only that Carrick should be defensive enough to earn him a place in the team
pollo
Oct 11, 2014 at 1:16 pm
De Gea
Rafael(2),Jones,Rojo,Blind(3)
Carrick
Herera Di Maria
Rooney
V. persie Falcao
This is the lline up that can win the premier league(can beat chelsea or city
Reindolf osei
Oct 11, 2014 at 2:24 pm
My de gea, rafael,jones,rojo,shaw blind carrick herrera di maria rooney falcao
Israe Lokwaro
Oct 11, 2014 at 2:38 pm
I do agree with the line up but RVP should be dropped for Wayne Rooney. then Blind to complete the first eleven.
Emma Obot
Oct 11, 2014 at 2:46 pm
Rafael, jones, rojo, show/blacket. Henrerra/januzaj,blind,mata,maria. Falcao rooney
Wilfred
Oct 11, 2014 at 2:55 pm
Mine is de gea. Rafael. Evans. Jones. Shaw. Carrick. Blind. Fellaini. Di maria. Rvp. Falcao. This lineup can beat Chelsea
Horllar
Oct 11, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Diz my formation 4 united,1 De gea 2 Rapheal 3 Shaw 4 Carrick 5 Blind 6 Evans 7 Di maria 8 Herrera 9 Falcao 10 Rooney 11 Valencia.
joe
Oct 11, 2014 at 4:13 pm
This team can win the league. But i think blind should replace C
arrick
eniola
Oct 11, 2014 at 5:47 pm
i lik formation
Patrickson
Oct 11, 2014 at 10:28 pm
My team selection is this::: (1)David De Gea (2)Rafael Da Silva (3)Marcus Rojo (4)Phil Jones (5)Tyler Blacket (6)DelayBlind (7)Angel Di Maria (8)Ander Herrera (9) Radamel Falcao(10)Wayne Rooney(11)Robin Van Persie… With this we can handle any team