TDurf11This is how I would line up the current Man Utd XI and my rationale, please comment.
Formation: 4-4-1-1 that can easily convert to a more defensive 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 depending on the opposition
Keeper: Although De Gea was a bit shaky in the Shield vs. City, I feel like he has the potential to be a great #1 from what I saw from him in the Under 21 Euros, and I have not seen enough of Lindegaard to place him above the ~£18 million Spaniard.
Defence: Ferdinand and Vidic are the obvious choice in the center, with years of experience, their physicality and ability they are two of the most formidable CB's in the world. Evra is, as always, a force to be reckoned with as his pace and not insignificant attacking skill puts opposing defenders under pressure and his covering is fantastic. I placed Rafael in the starting lineup because of his pace and attacking threat. He can be reckless and a little shaky defensively but for teams with quick opposing wingers he would be a necessity. Smalling would be my #1 if the opposing winger were slightly less quick as Smalling's size, not inconsiderable speed, better positioning, and ability to come up clutch in big games has really impressed me. Jones would be a CB replacement here if necessary as he is a solid young back and the future of the English Center Defence.
Midfield: Fletcher and Carrick in the middle because with their passing and physicality they have the ability to completely boss the center of the pitch and provide great defensive cover. On the outsides Nani is a no brainer with his inventive play, pace, and finishing ability he really came into his own last season and was vital to United's title run. On the other side I place Ashley Young over the likes of Giggs, Valencia or Park because of his pace and creative ability. He has not really meshed well with the rest of the squad on the pitch it seems but once he and the rest of the squad are on the same page he will be a real danger coming forward and cutting inside on the left side. Giggs must be on the bench as his experience and vision are still exceptional, and would be a necessary addition should United go down a goal, though he cannot produce the pace which he once could so I would not start him. Valencia would be my first choice outside sub as he has pace and decent defensive ability though I haven't seen too much of him coming back from injury to place him in front of Young who did so much for Villa Last season.
Forward: Rooney is an obvious addition and the recessed position I have him in is his preferred position where he can create and distribute the ball as he does so well. With his endless running he would have the freedom to move from side to side and back to receive the ball and can also move forward to provide the classy finishes we are so used to seeing from him. The deep lying forward was a tough call. Chicharito and Welbeck both are tremendous players with Welbeck really impressing me with his work ethic, pace and natural ability in the pre-season and Chicharito displaying his class through all of last season. I placed Welbeck here in part because Chicharito is currently injured having been concussed and I believe Welbeck has the ability to become quite a player in the coming season. I left out Berbatov from this line-up because I am not convince he will stay at Old Trafford with bids from PSG and the possible, though unlikely, addition of Sneijder now would honestly be the best time to sell him, after his productive though not exactly impressive showing last season, and begin to recoup some of the the £50 million spent this transfer window.
13.08.2011
