Manchester United came out all guns blazing against West Ham on the opening day of the season. The onus is on them to maintain this run of form throughout the season if they want to finally end their league drought.
Facing Swansea in their next league game, let us look at how United might set up in their first away game of the season.
Goalkeeper:
David de Gea
No surprises here, expect David de Gea to retain his position in their second league game of the season.
Right-Back:
Antonio Valencia
The Ecuadorian just does not seem to lose pace with age, does he? He will be largely responsible for keeping the Swansea left wing staring at blanks during their visit to Wales.
Centre-Backs:
Eric Bailly and Phil Jones
Center back will see the resumption of the Eric Bally – Phil Jones partnership at the back. Both of them add a certain amount of assuredness while featuring at the back and Mourinho might stick to that on Saturday.
Left-Back:
Matteo Darmian
Many were surprised at the inclusion of Daley Blind at LB against West Ham, but considering the fact that he was up against a not-so-pacy Ayew. Swansea however, are a completely different opposition. He may come up against Abraham, Narsingh or Montero. Darmian has been better suited to facing pacy wingers, hence he might just make the cut ahead of the Dutch international.
Midfielders:
Herrera – Matic – Pogba
You can’t keep Ander Herrera out of the squad for long. It is expected of him to start his first league game of the season against the Swans. Especially given the strength and sturdiness of the opposition midfield that could feature the likes of Fer, Carrol and Britton. New signing Roque Mesa could make his league debut against Manchester United. This only points towards a more defensive midfield option in Herrera, on comparison to Mata.
Matic and Pogba will be mainstays in this United squad, and we can expect them to feature heavily in every game.
Attackers:
Mourinho might not make any changes to attack as his front three were at their fluid best against West Ham.
So, Rashford – Lukaku – Mkhitaryan it is!
