Strongest Manchester United lineup to face Swansea – Rooney’s fitness is the key here

After two cup defeats home and away in the FA Cup and the Capital One Cup respectively, David Moyes’ side now turn focus to host Swansea yet again this time in their tumultuous Premier League campaign. Micheal Laudrup’s young and dazzling side got the better of the Red Devils at Old Trafford and would be looking to do the same when the two sides lock horns on Saturday’s late night kickoff. Will United slump to yet another home defeat yet again, or will Moyes’ unpredictable side finally show some resilience? The Red Devils are currently seventh in the table being eleven points adrift of leaders Arsenal and five off the fourth and final Champions League place. We here at Soccersouls provide you David Moyes’ strongest possible line up in the home team’s quest for three points in their kitty.

Goalkeeping and Defense

David De Gea is expected be to back after Lindegaard was manning the goal against Swansea in the FA Cup. The Spaniard will come under strict scrutiny from the away side’s dazzling dynamism and Wilfried Bony’s imposing presence up front. Swansea are certainly capable of goals against the very best of teams and make no mistake if they pump two past United yet again this weekend.

Nemanja Vidic is expected to take his place in the middle of the defence alongside Johnny Evans. The central defensive partnership has to make sure that they keep Bony quite throughout the entire ninety minutes and not get dragged out of position. Rafael missed United’s last two games albeit a groin injury but is fit again to take his place on the right. Patrice Evra will perhaps play in the left back position and it will be interesting to see whether Moyes persists with Buttner or prefers to go with the more experienced Frenchman.

Midfield

Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick will play an important role in the middle of the pitch and with Phil Jones missing, it will be Tom Cleverley yet again who will partner Carrick in the heart of midfield. Although Danny Fletcher, Ryan Giggs and Anderson are available, Moyes is certain to prefer the English pairing. Adnan Januzaj and Valencia are expected to take up the side roles for the home side and will be looking to put crosses into the box from either flanks. Shinji Kagawa too remains a feasible option for United and might feature if things are not going the home side’s intentions.

Strike Force

With Robin Van Persie still out through injury, Moyes would be hoping he has Wayne Rooney at least fit in a race against time for Saturday’s encounter. Rooney will play as a second striker and have to play deep and drop in behind the defence to make space and provide those killer balls up front for the striker up front. Talking of strikers, Danny Welbeck will perhaps get the not ahead of Mexican Javier Hernandez. However Chicarito might pair up with Welbeck in a typical United 4-4-2 formation if Rooney isn’t fit. Even Kagawa can play as no 10 behind the striker in the absence of Rooney. Whole United’s attacking lineup depends on Rooney’s fitness now.

Predicted Lineup

De Gea

Rafael Vidic Evans Evra

Valencia Carrick Cleverley Januzaj

Rooney

Welbeck