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Manchester United will receive Valencia at Old Trafford on the second match day of the UEFA Champions League group stage. The Red Devils will fight hard to get back to winning ways against the Spanish side. After three winless outings, Jose Mourinho’s job is under high scrutiny.
The third season malady seems to have stricken the former Real Madrid boss as things are going in a really negative way for Manchester United. The Red Devils are tenth in the Premier League and were embarrassingly knocked out of the League Cup by Frank Lampard’s Derby County.
Valencia will surely pose a difficult test for them, here’s a look at United’s probable line-up for the clash.
Defense
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Manchester United’s best department in recent years has been the defense. But the backline has failed to show up this year. However, one man who continues to save Manchester United’s blushes is David De Gea. The Spain international is once again likely to start the UCL fixture.
Jose Mourinho is yet to figure out his best center-back pairing. Eric Bailly looks set to get a start after a long while and will probably partner Sweden international Victor Lindelof in the center of the defense.
Luke Shaw has possibly cemented his role as the left fullback and will continue his exploits even against Valencia. After playing second fiddle to Ashley Young against West Ham last weekend, Antonio Valencia is also tipped to start against Los Che.
Midfield
The Red Devils’ midfielders have been caught ball watching while the opposition has attacked them. Mourinho is furious but does not have too many options at his disposal.
As a result, Nemanja Matic could once again start at defensive midfield in spite of performances which have been under par.
There is a supposed rift between Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho after the 25-year-old was stripped off captaincy duties. Yet, a starting berth for the France international seems imminent.
Jose Mourinho opted to leave Fred on the bench for the West Ham fixture, but the Brazilian will be back in contention for the Valencia outing. His cool and agility on the ball will be useful.
Offense
Manchester United’s attack has been horrendous this season. However, Romelu Lukaku is silently getting into the thick of it. The Belgium international will probably start against the Spaniards.
Anthony Martial was preferred over Juan Mata by Mourinho in the Premier League match on Saturday, but the Spaniard will be back in the fray to face his former team. Mata’s long balls and goal scoring threat will be vital.
Alexis Sanchez has left Mourinho livid due to his form. But the Chilean will be an important inclusion in the starting eleven having been left out of United’s 18-man squad for the West Ham fixture.
