Manchester United have played poorly for much of the season but it’s fair to say that haven’t enjoyed too much luck along the way either.
That was until the Liverpool game where they hardly threatened the opponents’ goal but somehow managed to come away with the ultimate smash and grab victory.
Picking through the bones of that game there were some very questionable individual performances.
You could argue that Marouane Fellaini’s headed contribution was key in setting up the only goal.
But, overall, he lowers the standard of play in the team and many a Manchester United fan will hope that Carrick and/or Schweinsteiger are fit to figure at the weekend, when The Reds must consolidate recent results with another three points.
Playing as they are it’s ridiculous to suggest that they can win the title.
But it is a strange season without a runaway leader. Arsenal, who top the table, have only averaged 2 points per game and, if Manchester United improve considerably, the gap isn’t insurmountable at 7 points.
Ander Herrera must play again this weekend. Any improvement in the speed of Manchester United has come from him and he seems to relish that number 10 role where he can pick out the likes of Martial and Rooney with those quick, penetrating passes.
And we think Juan Mata should be left out for similar reasons. He also made a key contribution to the goal against Liverpool but, in general, he seems to slow United down.
So here is our early shout for the best team to face Southampton at Old Trafford this weekend.
Manchester United fans: let’s have your elevens.
Keith Mihailakis
Jan 20, 2016 at 2:18 am
Martial
Memphis Rooney Mata
Herrera Schneiderlin
Darmian Blind Smalling Young
De Gea
Stu
Jan 20, 2016 at 11:14 pm
rooney
martial periera (we don’t play him soon, we lose him) memphis
Herrera schneiderlin
Darmian blind smalling young (if he’s fit, if not mcnair)
De Gea