The last time Manchester United came off the pitch, they had just delivered an exhilarating experience to fans who had previously become synonymous with such comeback victories. Having said that, as much as United and their supporters loved the victory against Manchester City, they would be rather keen to avoid any such hiccups when they face West Bromwich Albion this weekend. The Baggies have been downright abysmal this season and stare at relegation with six set of fixtures yet to take the place. United will be keen to keep their momentum going as they will prepare for an important FA Cup semi-final next week.
Team News:
As per the early team news, Daley Blind and Sergio Romero seem to be the only players who are unfit to feature in this match.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence:
David de Gea displayed one of his trademark saves to criminally deny Sergio Aguero a headed equalizer in the 89th minute last weekend. He will expect to be fairly less troubled against the Baggies, though.
Regulars Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young will play as the two fullbacks in this game. Young is coming off some severe criticism due to his studs-up tackle against Aguero that could have resulted in a red card and a penalty in the dying embers of the last game. However, his commitment and energy is praiseworthy and hence the veteran has been regularly trusted to start games ahead of Luke Shaw. Valencia provides a good balance between attack and defence and is an undoubted starter for the game. Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly will form the centre-back pairing for the match.
Midfield:
Paul Pogba just came off his best performance in a Manchester United shirt and it is quite evident that the Frenchman will thrive when he has a two-man midfield base behind him. It allows him to imprint his attacking impetus in a better way and hence it would be preferable to start the entire team in the same formation. Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera will be instructed to sit back and proceed to attack further when required.
Attack:
Alexis Sanchez slowly seems to be getting into the groove and the crux of the team as he inspired an incredible turnaround against City with two top-notch assists. The Chilean has been involved in one goal and three assists in his last two games and would be keen to add more impressive numbers to his tally in what has been an inconsistent season for the former Barcelona man.
Jesse Lingard will be expected to create space for the other forwards and to drift in and take a more central role as the game progresses. The Mancunian provides an extra dimension in attack with his relentless pursuit of the ball and the tendency to regularly score excellent goals. Romelu Lukaku will continue to lead the line and will hope to get some goals over his former club.
