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Love them or hate them, Manchester United still remain one of the biggest clubs in England and the world. Even though their football dominance has waned in the last couple of years, the team still commands significant financial success and following across the world. Having signed two defenders and a winger in the summer transfer window, it was believed that United would be stronger on the pitch this season.
The opening 4-0 thrashing of Chelsea signaled a dawn of a new era. That quickly faded when the Red Devils drew 1-1 with Wolverhampton and later suffered a 2-1 home defeat to minnows Crystal Palace. In all fairness, Wolves have been a dangerous team since last season. United then blew the lead and a one man advantage in a 1-1 draw with Southampton before the international break.
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What have we learnt so far? For starters, the ghosts of the final third of last season still linger in the side. It was a bold move for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to let go of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez. This reduced his attacking options significantly without striking reinforcements coming in. A fresh opportunity to get the second win this season awaits as United host Leicester City at Old Trafford. Which players is Solskjaer likely to start?
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
This is a no-brainer really because he has been United's first choice since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. His performances last season were not impressive but David De Gea is still one of the best goalkeepers given his previous performances that made United avoid defeat. There are reports that suggest he is no closer to to signing a new contract but he is a professional. He will do what is required of him as he is still a United player for now.
Since his blunder against Palace, he redeemed himself against the Saints with a superb save before the home side equalised through Jannik Vestergaard. We have seen De Gea play out from the back in Solskjaer's new system and will be tested against Leicester's fast pressing forward line.
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Ashley Young
Aaron Wan-Bissaka should be fit to continue as right back. He has impressed so far and tops the Premier League charts having notched 26 successful tackles in four games. He had to withdraw from the England squad due a back problem but is expected to be fit for the Leicester match.
Harry Maguire, who has started all four games in the league, is probably the first name on the defensive sheet. He is one of the few leaders in the side and the responsibility will be on him to control that back four. Victor Lindelof scored and impressed on international duty and should complete the central-defence partnership.
Given Luke Shaw's injury history, Solskjaer is unlikely to risk him unless he is 100% fit. Ashley Young, who was not involved in the international break will continue to be deputed on the left back position. His versatility has really given United options in both full back flanks. So far, he has done little wrong to warrant dropping to the bench. Diogo Dalot, who can also play at left-back, will be eased back into the team after facing an injury setback of his own.
Midfielders: Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba is yet to hit his stride but remains an integral part of the squad this season. He had to withdraw from participating in the international break but should be ready for the Leicester test. In the Saints game, Pogba was freed to dictate play with Matic slotting in to take up more defensive responsibilities.
Having had a run of two draws and a loss, Solskjaer will be compelled to switch to a midfield three with Pogba in his preferred left-side midfield position. This is the sort of area from which he became really dangerous last season to contribute the majority of his 14 goals.
Nemanja Matic, the more defensive-minded midfielder in the United set-up, was on duty for his country. He has seen playing time reduce but still has the necessary experience to still get the job done. With Ander Herrera now at PSG, it will be an opportunity for him to once again show his qualities especially as cover to the back four.
Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Daniel James, Juan Mata
Daniel James is the hottest property at Old Trafford at the moment. His blistering pace is unrivaled and he has put it to good use. The Welsh international has already scored three goals in his four competitive matches so far.
The finishes against Southampton and Palace show that he is taking the initiative of scoring which relieves the pressure off Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
He was also on target for his country and should be full of confidence coming into this match. Should Martial not be declared fit for this game, then Rashford will start as the central striker. He played on the wing during the international break but United have limited options in the centre-forward position. Juan Mata can offer that creativity and clever movement off the ball. He can start on the right wing as he has done before and drift to the no.10 position when they are attacking in
