The absence of Rooney and Van Persie is a blessing in disguise for Manchester United

Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney

Manchester United host Newcastle United tomorrow without Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. The prolific strikers have been in stellar form this season and have scored 10 goals each so far this term. While many fans will be understandably alarmed due to their absence, there is a silver lining on the horizon. David Moyes can now try out new tactics and can show everybody that the Red Devils can pull through without their two star players.

Mexican striker Javier Hernandez will be an undisputed starter for the match and will be a menace to the Newcastle defenders. The 25-year-old has scored 2 goals and assisted 1 in his games against the Magpies and will be a valuable attacking asset to the team. Chicharito is one of the best goal poachers in world football and has a habit of being at the right place at the right time. The little forward can even play as a lone striker in the match.

Shinji Kagawa should be played in his creative midfielder role. The Japanese international showed what he can do when he is put where he belongs and literally opened up Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. Kagawa was involved in 3 of United’s goals against Bayer and put in a good performance against Everton but was subbed in favor of Nani. The former Borussia Dortmund player is famous for creating goal-scoring areas in the toughest places and is just the kind of man United need against Newcastle, who recently held a 4 match unbeaten streak until they went down 3-0 to Swansea on Thursday.

Adnan Januzaj should be given a starting role in the match on Saturday. The young Belgian made an instant impact against Everton and was unlucky not to score a goal. The 18-year-old is gifted with outstanding technical ability which will be his trump card against Alan Pardew’s team. Wilfried Zaha recently scored a wonder goal against Blackburn Rovers in the Under-21 team and may be in the substitutes in not in the starting line up.

Newcastle have a talented striker in Loic Remy but Nemanja Vidic can easily keep him in shackles. Phil Jones will certainly be involved in the match and should be given a midfield role as that area was completely exposed in the match against Everton. Chris Smalling did a wonderful job in defense alongside Vidic in the 1-0 loss against the Toffees which may lead to him being involved in the Newcastle game. Rafael is an immense threat along the right flank and will boost the attack on Saturday.

Manchester United have the perfect chance to silence all their critics on Saturday. A win against the Magpies will still keep them out of the top 4 but will be a big confidence booster to the team who are at the receiving end of some unfair criticism right now. United are famous for making comebacks even when the odds are against them, and I see no reason why that cannot happen of Saturday.