Although Jose Mourinho has just been in charge of 5 matches for Manchester United, the ‘Special One’ is already under pressure to deliver the results. Jose will go against Claudio Ranieri this weekend as United welcome the reigning Champions Leicester City.
Much has been debated about United’s best starting XI this season with Paul Pogba not settling in the Premier League following his £89million move from Juventus. Pogba often goes missing in the matches and it is thought that more of it is down to not playing in a proper system and finding right midfield partners.
Although Mourinho has looked to switch to a 4-3-3 formation in recent weeks, I doubt he will break the 4-2-3-1 trend against an opposition like Leicester. Man United would hope to keep their shape against The Foxes and hope for better results going forward.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Leicester
Earlier in the season Mourinho got the better of Leicester in Community Shield by playing Eric Bailly and Daley Blind at central defense however with Chris Smalling back fit, we may see United go with the Englishman to partner United’s new summer signing.
Luke Shaw’s fitness continues to be an issue after the left back suffered a tear in his groin. Although he is 50-50 for the game against Leicester I think Jose will not risk him and will go with Marcos Rojo as his preferred left sided defender.
Paul Pogba is assured to have a place in the starting XI but he could be paired with Michael Carrick in a 2-man midfield for Man United. With Carrick controlling the play from midfield, Pogba can charge forward and dominate the play.
Wayne Rooney is certain to be dropped by Mourinho after playing 90 minutes against Northampton during the week. Ander Herrera and Juan Mata will fight for the number 10 role with Marouane Fellaini being a possible wildcard pick in that position as well.
We have gone with Mata as he is the specialist number 10 player in this side.
Wings will be flanked by Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford with Zlatan Ibrahimovic being the lone striker. Zlatan will hope to replicate his display against Leicester in the Community Shield where he scored a sumptuous winning goal for Manchester United.