Manchester United will face Spanish side Valencia in their second UEFA Champions League match of the season. United’s results have been extremely poor this season, with the team garnering only 10 points in seven Premier League matches. They were impressive in the Champions League against Young Boys, but the La Liga side will pose a completely different set of challenges.
Marcos Rojo is still not training with the squad. Jesse Lingard, Ander Herrera and Ashley Young won’t participate in the match due to their respective injuries.
Formation: 4-3-3
David de Gea conceded three goals against West Ham United and he will certainly be disappointed with that performance. The last few months haven’t been the best for the Spaniard, however, he needs his backline to be more solid. He will start between the sticks for this match.
Diogo Dalot might start ahead of Valencia at right-back after having impressed in both his appearances so far. He delivered an excellent assist for Marouane Fellaini in injury time against Derby County. The Portuguese injects an exciting creative aspect from a usually dull right flank for United. Luke Shaw, who played three key passes against Young Boys is expected to play as the left-sided fullback.
Victor Lindelof was extremely shaky in the loss against Manuel Pellegrini’s side last week. He even scored an own goal, which was albeit a bit unfortunate. Hence, Chris Smalling might be partnered with Eric Bailly in this contest. The Ivorian international has been out of favour ever since his horrendous performance in the loss against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Nemanja Matic will anchor the midfield. He instils some stability and composure to a disappointingly erratic United midfield. The Serbian had two successful tackles and cleared the ball thrice in the match against Young Boys in the Champions League.
Paul Pogba delivered another underwhelming performance that lacked intensity and passion against West Ham. His attitude has been questionable lately but Pogba could yet again start in the match against Valencia. The Frenchman scored twice and assisted once in the victory against Young Boys. Fred could play on the right side of the three-man midfield setup.
Romelu Lukaku will lead the forward line. The Belgian has been disappointing in front of goal this season missing chances regularly and it is high time for him to get his act together.
Anthony Martial has forced himself into reckoning and is likely to start ahead of Sanchez once again. Marcus Rashford is finding it hard to get a game on his favoured left side and might have to settle for a place on the right flank once again.
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