Manchester United will resume their Premier League campaign after the international break with a trip to Watford on Saturday.
The Red Devils have slipped nine points adrift of the Premier League summit thanks to a series of poor performances and results since late September. They have won only one of their last five games in the Premier League, which has seen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer attract a lot of criticism.
Thus, at least for Solskjaer, this is a must-win game against Watford, who are just two points above the relegation zone.
Manchester United Team News
Paul Pogba serves his third and final game of the suspension imposed on him for his red card against Liverpool. Also, he sustained a thigh muscle injury while away on international duty, joining his French compatriot Raphael Varane on the sidelines.
Edinson Cavani didn’t join the national team camp due to a tendon problem and remains out. Scott McTominay has recovered well from an illness that made him miss two World Cup qualifiers for Scotland.
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw wasn’t involved in England’s games against Albania and San Marino as he recovered from the concussion sustained during the Manchester derby loss. His return date remains unknown.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Watford (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea has been Manchester United’s undisputed no.1 this season after a rocky last two years. He’ll be desperate to keep a clean sheet against Watford on Saturday.
Defence
The Red Devils’ defence has been all over the place for over a month now. Harry Maguire has been poor but being the skipper, he’ll have to lead the team by an example and start putting in some consistent performances. The England international should make the Manchester United lineup alongside Victor Lindelof in central defence.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Watford
Aaron Wan-Bissaka will retain his spot at right-back. With Luke Shaw’s return date unknown so far following concussion protocols, Alex Telles is set to get a chance to impress at left-back.
Midfield
Scott McTominay has recovered well from his illness but Solskjaer could go with Nemanja Matic at the base of Manchester United’s midfield against Watford. Matic’s calmness on the ball would complement Fred’s energy and intensity in midfield, as Solskjaer looks to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes is a crucial cog in Solskjaer’s system and while he has blown hot and cold in recent times, he remains one of the first names on the team sheet.
Attack
Marcus Rashford has netted three goals in all competitions since returning from shoulder surgery last month, which should make him a definite starter at the weekend. On the right, Jadon Sancho could get the nod ahead of Mason Greenwood, and the tricky Englishman will look to impress after a slow start to life at Manchester United.
Upfront, it’ll be none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who should be licking his lips regarding the prospect of facing a Watford side that has leaked 19 goals so far this season.