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Manchester United host Crystal Palace on Saturday on the backdrop of a crushing loss in the derby. The international break has given manager Jose Mourinho and his players time to rebuild and focus on the task at hand.
Even though only 12 league matches have been played this season, there is cause for concern that the Red Devils will not only have a subdued season but also a terrible one. It has slowly been commonplace for the team to suffer what has been the post-Sir Alex Ferguson fever.
Yes, it can be argued that some titles and results have been in the bag. However, United has yet to fully hit top gear in terms of returning the fear factor and consistently chalking up the wins. It is almost as if every match is a gamble.
One simply cannot tell what version of United will show up. Is it the one that can go to a hostile environment and get an away win at Juventus? Or the fringe one that was whitewashed by Brighton and Hove Albion?
It is clear that some United players have simply not been good enough. Their defensive troubles have only been matched by their overall lack of aggression on the offensive end.
One clean sheet in 12 matches is unacceptable for a team of United's calibre. Before the January transfer window, Mourinho still has to select players from those available to him. This is a strong united line up that should be picked at Old Trafford.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
The Spanish international has faced heavy criticism over his performances. There is also uncertainty over his contract situation. United's best player in the last four seasons is certainly the first name on the team sheet. He did not have the best of outings during the international break but has been a key component in masking the shortcomings of their porous defence.
He has made some tremendous saves this season despite being offered little protection by his defenders. De Gea will retain his place in goal in what should be a more comfortable evening for United if memories from the Etihad Stadium is anything to go by.
Centre-backs
Chris Smalling
He continued being frozen out of the England setup and that comes as little surprise. Mourinho likes consistency in his central defenders and has selected Smalling on a regular basis. At the moment, he has limited options and will most likely stick with his pairing. Smalling did not take part in the UEFA Nations League with England and should be fresh. Out of all the United centre-backs, he looks like the most assured.
Against Palace, it is the general expectation that he will face a less lethal offensive force when compared with City's. His 6 ft 4 frame will be an advantage when dealing with aerial balls and defending set pieces. He can also cause problems on the other end.
Victor Lindelof/Marcos Rojo
Given that United have struggled defensively, Mourinho may give Rojo his first start of the season. Ideally, he will be the left-sided centre back. He has slowly been eased into training in the last couple of weeks. Palace would be an ideal test to give Rojo a chance to state his case. Already, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly have shown to be error-prone and Rojo could be that assurance that United need in that position.
On the other hand, Mourinho may opt to stick with Victor Lindelof, who has really stepped up from the fringe player he was last season. He has been trusted with the obligation of taming offensive players against Chelsea, Juventus and City so he too is a top candidate to start. On a good day, Lindelof can be ruthless and worth every penny that United paid for his services.
Fullbacks
Luke Shaw
The speedy left back was not involved in international duty due to a minor injury. He should be fit to retain his position. He has cooled down from the top form he hit in the last two months.
However, he is a decent option for United on that left side. There is no real competition unless the manager decides to push right-footed fullbacks such as Ashley Young and Matteo Darmian to that side. Shaw is certainly having his best run in a United shirt since he joined the club. He is quick and makes clever forward runs to provide that extra attacking option.
Ashley Young
Young was unused by his nation and should be fresh for the challenge. He is versatile and a genuine hard worker on the pitch. He is also pivotal when it comes to delivering crosses and set pieces into the box. If fit, he should start on either full-back flank positions. Captain Antonio Valencia is still working his way from surgery and is unlikely to start. Young's strengths will be crucial especially when it comes to looking for the taller target men who are in this lineup.
Midfielders
Paul Pogba
Mourinho has deployed a 4-3-3 formation a lot this season. Pogba took to social media to tell United fans that his injury was not serious. He withdrew from the French squad and missed the Manchester derby. Without him, United were deeply exposed.
The team could only manage one shot on target and that was a penalty. That was evidence of how important he is to the team despite the widespread criticism. He should return to the starting line up if fully fit and apply his technical ability to spark the offence.
Nemanja Matic
The towering Serbian international has not replicated his commanding form shown last season but is still a solid option when it comes to protecting the back four. Of all the three midfielders, he is the one who will play deepest and join in the attack when possible. There have been calls for Mourinho to give him a rest but right now the team is in a desperate situation to avoid sinking further.
Marouane Fellaini
The tall Belgian international was forced to play the entire 90 minutes against City despite not being fully fit. He should be in the line up on Saturday to neutralise any aerial threats during set pieces.
More importantly, Fellaini's strength lies in making a nuisance of himself in the opposition box. He can outjump almost every opponent marking him. With Young in the side, he will be the target man in the box. Ander Herrera is likely to be benched after a torrid performance against City.
Attackers
Juan Mata
Mata has been a key playmaker and scored some crucial goals for United this season. Alongside Pogba, he is one of United's most creative players. He is set to start on the right wing and drift to the number 10 position where he is most effective.
While Mata lacks the physique to help on the defensive side of play, he is sharp in creating chances and making forward runs. Mourinho has given him a lot of chances to help the team and that is a sign that he trusts him to deliver.
Anthony Martial
The French duo of Pogba and Martial has combined well this season. Martial has moved from the back of the pecking order to one of the first names on the team sheet. He has been in outstanding form in the last seven games since being brought back into the fold.
Martial prefers playing on the left flank where he can take on defenders. One would fancy him to continue his scoring run against an opponent such as Palace. He also withdrew from the French squad and should be fit for this match.
Alexis Sanchez/Jesse Lingard
Sanchez will be deployed as the main striker in this formation. He has not lived up to expectation this season and ultimately left out. Injury to Romelu Lukaku and his dip in form has opened the door for Sanchez and company to step up. He provided an assist as United beat Everton 2-1 in their last home match.
What was seen clearly is that Lukaku's absence gave provision to a more dynamic play instead of typical long balls forward.
Lingard is also a viable option on the wings which would allow Martial to drift more centrally. He scored a sumptuous goal for England against the USA and scored the equaliser against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League. Based on that, Lingard will be full of confidence heading into this match. Regardless of the selection, United need positive results and fast.
