Jose Mourinho was back to winning ways when his side got past a non-Premier League opponent to set up a feisty Manchester derby in the 4th round of the League Cup this year. However, the manager and the squad will turn their attention towards the game at the weekend when they host the Champions of England.
Both teams have already met before the start of the domestic season, a game which gave Jose Mourinho his first piece of silverware at his new club. Mourinho has never lost three back to back league games and will be hoping that his team are back to form this weekend. Here are 3 players from the home side that might shine in this game at Old Trafford.
Paul Pogba
The world record summer signing is yet to have any sort of an impact on the squad, let alone prove his price tag. He has previous experience in the league but has just not been able to adjust to the style of play from the manager and has been completely ineffective this season. However, there is no doubting his ability, which was evident in flashes in the few games this season and this might be the game that gives Pogba his confidence back.
Having lost three games on the trot before the win against Northampton, the midfielder will be fired up for this game and facing the Champions will be an added incentive. The French international is a player for the big games and this game is as big as it can get in the Premier League this season. He might be the star for the Red Devils on Saturday.
David de Gea
The Spanish international has easily been the best player for the club in the last two years. He single-handedly won his side a number of points over the years and has started the new season in a bright fashion. He is a player who thrives under pressure and he will have plenty of it this weekend. Claudio Ranieri’s men are fresh from back to back 3-0 victories and will be a threat away from home.
United will want to dominate the game which might play into the hands of the visitors making De Gea an important part of this game. The likes of Jamie Vardy and Islam Slimani are in decent form and will test the 25-year old and De Gea will surely be up to it. He will give his all and keep his team in the game even right until the end and it will not be a surprise if he is the difference between both sides on the night.
Luke Shaw
It is an open secret that Jose Mourinho singled out the England international after the team’s defeat against Watford last weekend. The left-back was not too bad at the Vicarage Road but Jose Mourinho publicly criticized and unleashed his full wrath on the 21-year old after the defeat.
The defender was reportedly disappointed with the criticism but he will surely be fired up for the game this weekend. Shaw is definitely Mourinho’s first choice left-back this season and he is a manager who will give him chances to prove himself. Shaw will, however, know that his chances are running out and will want to put his best performance on the pitch this weekend. He will be at his best for this clash and may give the United fans a master-class to remember.
