3 changes Manchester United need to make in their starting lineup

Manchester United have got a manager who has proved time and again that he can upset the odds. They have more than just a few top quality players on their payroll as well. Yet, the Red Devils find themselves stuck in the mud and whirring the engine to no avail.

Manchester United have been far less boring this season but the final product is still lacking. As a result, they often start the games with a spring in their step but draw it to a close puffing their cheeks, shaking their heads and blowing raspberries.

The latest upset- conceding a defeat at home against Championship side Derby County has certainly cast a shadow of doubt over the personnel at Manchester United. While Jose Mourinho bears the brunt more often than not, it is no deficiency on his part that causes the players to not perform at the standards they are capable of and is expected of them.

Bearing that in mind, let's kick on to see what are the personnel changes that United can implement to improve their situation.

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#3 Diogo Dalot for Antonio Valencia

Dalot provided the cross from which Fellaini equalized in the dying embers of the game against Derby

Yes, he is the club captain and he is a formidable unit all by himself when the team is defending. But going forward, Antonio Valencia offers no great shakes anymore. Crosses come at a premium and his pace has declined considerably.

The alternative that United have is the 19-year-old new signing, Diogo Dalot. Though he is still a teenager, he is tall and strong and his physicality is beyond his age. Dalot is exciting with the ball at his feet. He has already shown that he's capable of ghosting past defenders and boy can he whip in a cross!

Dalot has, in fact, acted as a reminder of sorts to the Stretford End with respect to what a modern right-back can do. And this is a position that United have deployed no specialists at since Rafael left the club back in 2015 and since the 2013-14 season, he was also used sparingly.

Dalot can revitalize the right wing for Jose Mourinho. This is particularly important because United often play without a proper right winger. Of course, the youngster still has some way to go but he looks promising and will definitely offer a threat going forward.

With the left-back problem sorted, Mourinho should now focus on the other wing and he has an answer waiting for him to look.

#2 Anthony Martial for Alexis Sanchez

Time for Tony Martial to get back into the starting XI

Alexis Sanchez has not been among the goals but he the fact that he has improved in a United shirt is there for all to see. However, his failure to link up with Lukaku and disturbing inability to leave defenders for dead in the final third is clawing United back.

The tough love that Mourinho showed Luke Shaw worked wonders and the same seems to be happening in the case of Anthony Martial. Against Young Boys in the Champions League and against Derby County in the Carabao Cup (the two recent matches that Martial has started), he has shown a lot of promise.

Martial's close control that gives defenders nightmares is helping United cause havoc in the opposition's defensive third and if United's conversion rate in front of goal was better, the Frenchman's stats would look a lot better.

He is not afraid to take on defenders and his quick turn of pace and ability to slalom past defenders in addition to the fact that he plays much better with Pogba and Lukaku make this a no-brainer.

The 22-year-old who had a spectacular debut season at Old Trafford looks to be regaining the confidence that made him such a menacing presence down the left flank. He needs a steady run of games and like it was afforded to Sanchez so far, it should be given to Martial as well.

#1 Marcus Rashford for Romelu Lukaku

This ought to happen

Jose Mourinho keeps reiterating in different forms that no player is above the law. If you want to play for Manchester United, you have to perform your duties to the best of your abilities. Romelu Lukaku is simply not doing that anymore for Manchester United.

He has missed more sitters already this season than what can be counted on fingers. He has looked off the pace and seems to be going through a rough patch though his numbers would suggest otherwise. Lukaku's misses are costing Manchester United points and that simply should not be let to continue.

The case against Lukaku is quite strong with Marcus Rashford waiting patiently for his chances. Rashford changes the dynamic of United's game in the final third and he has quite an eye for goal. Jose Mourinho should trust the youngster with a good run of games and see where it takes him. At worst, he can still do as well as Lukaku is doing right now.

On top of that, Martial and Rashford in the same team can make Manchester United a force to be reckoned with on the counter.

In this predicament that the Red Devils find themselves in, a gamble is warranted. When they have the personnel to change things around or bring something new to the table, Jose shouldn't back off from making some brave decisions.

If it's broken, you got to fix it, right?