Just two wins in the last five league matches have seen Manchester United slip away further from the title chase. Mourinho’s men are now winless in four matches in all competitions and with further injuries piling up on the heavy festive fixture list, the Red Devils are a club in a mini-crisis. Their first match of 2018 against Everton will offer them the chance to turn a fresh note and here is how the Portuguese will look to set his team up for the important clash.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
The ever dependable David De Gea can be expected in goal once again between the sticks. With Valencia suffering the hamstring injury, the hard working Ashley Young can be expected at right back instead of his usual left back place this season.
Luke Shaw, who has been improving by certain margins over the last month, will be expected to play another full ninety minutes in the space of three days at left back. Phil Jones will be expected at centre back but Victor Lindelof may be given a rest with Mourinho going for Marcos Rojo to partner Jones.
Midfield
The trusted dual axis of Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba will once again operate the base of the United midfield. Although Matic is looking increasingly fatigued after each match having played almost every match this season and unless the Serbian is given some rest, he may be suffering from a burnout. As for Pogba, United will once again look to their record signing for some inspiration.
The number 10 role is likely to go to Juan Mata this time with Lingard staying on the bench for the match against Everton. Henrikh Mkhitaryan who played last time out as a substitute may well get his first start after a lengthy spell off at right wing given the fact that Mourinho has to rotate his squad. Anthony Martial will be seen once again operating from the left flank with United hoping that the Frenchman will be able to cause some havoc from his side with his dribbling and shooting skills.
Attack
With both Zlatan Ibrahimovic ruled out for a month due to a knee injury and Romelu Lukaku taken off on a stretcher against Southampton early on with a nasty head clash, Mourinho has confirmed neither of his mainstream forwards will be available for the next two matches at least. In that case, young Marcus Rashford who started his United career as a striker will once again get the opportunity to showcase his skill set as a hitman. Mourinho will be banking on his pace and fox-like nature in the box to evade defenders and get United the goals they so desperately need.
