Manchester United have been given an opportunity to get back to winning ways when they face Northampton Town on Wednesday in the 3rd round of the EFL Cup. The Red Devils have been plagued with a sudden loss of form with none of the players performing at the level expected of them. Having started the season on a high, winning games at a canter, many people expected them to be the sole favourites for the title, pointing to Pep’s lack of experience in England as a reason. But 5 games into the season and although these are early days, panic has clearly set within the camp. United are too good to carry on in this manner though and a turnaround is on the cards anytime soon. The players will have to step up and perform well in the midweek match else they will run the risk of being brushed into oblivion by Jose Mourinho. The megastars in the team namely Wayne Rooney, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have gone off the boil and the team has looked uninspired and bereft of much purpose or conviction.
They have an away fixture against Northampton Town and whatever team the Portuguese selects, it will be expected to notch up a win. With a match against Leicester next weekend, Mourinho has to decide benching his main players or give the game to build confidence.
HERE IS T40’s PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED LINE-UP VS NORTHAMPTON TOWN (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Romero should get a chance between the sticks while De Gea will be good with a day off. Darmian is a good alternative for Valencia at right-back who should be kept fresh for the weekend. Bailly can be given a rest with Smalling and Blind continuing their partnership from last season. Marcos Rojo might be given a run-out with Luke Shaw handed a rest.
MIDFIELD
Morgan Schneiderlin and Michael Carrick might form the new double pivot with both the players pushing for a place in the first team. Ander Herrera can also be picked with his 2nd half against Manchester City coming to mind as one of the better performances this season by a Man United player. Paul Pogba might be handed a start in the No.10 role without any defensive responsibilities and get his confidence going.
ATTACK
Juan Mata is likely to start on the right-wing with Memphis Depay in-line for the left-flank role. Marcus Rashford can be selected up top although Mourinho can spring a surprise with Rooney as a striker.
