Manchester United seem to have been less creative of late with three draws in four league games and a really fallow performance against Yeovil in the cup.
But the return of Angel di Maria added pace to the attack in the second half and he will bring much needed life and invention back to Manchester United’s forward play – his return couldn’t come soon enough and we expect to see something resembling the Argentinian’s best form over the next few months.
One would hope that he will start against a back in form Southampton at the weekend (Sunday 11 January, Kick Off 16:00 local time).
Radamel Falcao is getting into the groove now and we shouldn’t be fooled by an average display in the Fa Cup. This was another valuable run out as the Colombian finds full fitness.
But, in more bad news for the team, Rafael and Luke Shaw were both withdrawn at half time on Sunday through injury. Rafael fractured a cheek bone and Luke Shaw has another problem with his troublesome ankle.
So the full back areas will be of particular concern to Louis this weekend and, with Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young also crocked, the Manchester United manager will be hoping that Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind hurry back – both are set to return to full training this week. More likely, LvG will use Blackett and McNair as wing backs or revert to four at the back.
So here is our preliminary best Manchester United XI for a must win game at the weekend. Manchester United fans: let’s have your elevens.
