Manchester United welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Saturday, hoping to extend their perfect start to the new campaign.
Louis van Gaal’s side overcame Club Brugge in the first leg of their Champions League play-off in midweek, with Memphis Depay proving to be the hero with a brace to open his account for the Red Devils. He will be keen to bag his first Premier League goal at the weekend.
Here is how we expect United to line up against Steve McClaren’s men:
GK- Sergio Romero
The Argentinian has been impressive so far this season, and has yet to concede a goal in the Premier League. With the transfer window still open, David de Gea’s future remains in doubt meaning that van Gaal will surely stick with the former Sampdoria man.
RB- Matteo Darmian
Darmian’s job will surely be to keep former Man United flop Gabriel Obertan quiet. The Frenchman has made a decent start to the new campaign, but Darmian has been very impressive so far.
CB- Chris Smalling
Smalling has been the glue that has held this fresh-looking back four together so will surely be the man to take care of the Magpies’ biggest attacking threat, which is likely to be Papiss Cisse, and then Aleksandar Mitrovic who has begun both games on the bench so far this season.
CB- Daley Blind
Although he may be listed as a centre-back, it would not be a surprise if Blind is told to keep an eye on Newcastle’s attacking midfielder and his international teammate Georginio Wijnaldum, who has made an encouraging start to his career at St James’ Park.
LB- Luke Shaw
The former Southampton man has looked a completely different player to the one that looked so fragile last season. He has got a very tough challenge on his hands however, with Moussa Sissoko, who is likely to test Shaw’s pace and physical strength.
