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Manchester United face a tricky few weeks in a bid to rebuild their image and win over the fans' confidence. Truth be told, the Red Devils have struggled in some quarters since the glory Sir Alex Ferguson days. This season, two losses in their opening three Premier League matches proved a difficult pill to swallow for United fans.
The United of the old would have certainly put Brighton Albion & Hove to the sword regardless of home or away status. Also, it was not often for United to lose by a three-goal margin, especially at home. However, three away wins on the trot has brought a ray of hope that something special is on the cards. Next up is a home tie against Wolverhampton on Saturday.
Their last home match is something United would like to forget. A poor second half show at Old Trafford enabled Tottenham Hotspur to snatch a solid 3-0 win at a ground that they had no success at in the last couple of seasons. Evidently, United had some defensive frailties that cost them.
Since then, they have risen from the ashes and shown a more promising approach from both ends of the field. There has been more movement in their style of play and end product in their recent wins over Burnley, Watford and minnows Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League. Even more impressive, they have taken 2-0 leads at halftime in all of those matches. Jose Mourinho is expected to make some changes for this fixture.
Goalkeeper
David De Gea
The Spanish stopper has played all of United's matches this season. It appears he has put his World Cup howlers behind him and is back to his level best. Against Watford, he showed his true quality once again with his opposite number Ben Foster terming him 'the Messi of goalkeepers'.
This is in regards to his continuous ability to make stunning saves. Sergio Romero is back to the fold but there is no doubt who will start on Saturday barring any injuries.
Central defenders
Chris Smalling
He was part of the group of players linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer. However, he remained with the team and has risen to prove his worth. He was frozen out of the side initially with an injury to Phil Jones opening up the door. Also, Eric Bailly seems to have fallen out of favour with Mourinho after a poor show against Brighton.
Smalling was United's highest scoring defender last season with four goals including the winner against Manchester City in the derby. He recently replicated that form with a striker's finish in their last league match against Watford.
Victor Lindelof
He is one of the five centre-back options for Mourinho. At times, he has been caught out and outmuscled by the opposition players. Lindelof has had a run of a few games and has got into Mourinho's good books.
At the moment, he is set to continue his run in the starting line up with Mourinho keen to have a consistent defensive pairing at the centre.
Fullbacks
Luke Shaw
The England international seems to be back to his level best. He is one of the surprise stars this season. Even when United were down, he stood out as a consistent performer for the team. Shaw combines speed, strength and the attacking mentality of a modern full back.
He has recovered fully from the injury he suffered while on international duty and has taken his position at left back. Mourinho declared his intention to start Shaw prior to the Young Boys match which is an indication of his belief. Shaw will be crucial on both ends of the pitch.
Diogo Dalot
The 19-year-old impressed in the midweek Champions League tie and is in contention to start at right back. Veteran Antonio Valencia can be rested or benched in order to give the youngster a chance to make his Premier League debut.
Mourinho seems impressed with the player and even watched him when he played for the U-23 side. He is quick, a powerful runner and is notorious for delivering dangerous crosses into the box.
Midfielders
Paul Pogba
The towering Frenchman has been impressive this season. The pressure to perform is always going to follow him whenever he plays. He has scored an impressive four goals this season and there is the feeling that more is to come.
He seems to be enjoying the best spell of his United career so far. Mourinho's decision to play a three-man midfield seems to have paid off. Pogba seems to have more freedom to open up play and score goals.
Ander Herrera
The Spaniard was in contention for a place against Young Boys but did not play. He is versatile and can fit right in a three-man midfield. He can play in any of the three positions and offer cover whenever Pogba is on the offensive end.
Herrera has the necessary experience to read the game situations and do the 'dirty work' when needed. Additionally, he will be crucial in halting the counter attacks and looking for spaces for the forward runners.
Marouane Fellaini
The big Belgian may be used once again in an unfamiliar deep midfield role against Watford. He basically offered protection to the central defenders to Mourinho's liking. He will once again be tasked to do the same given that Fred has not yet settled into the team.
His height and threat on set pieces will be crucial as seen in recent matches. He may not be technically gifted but winning aerial duels and being a target man up front will be important for the team.
Forwards
Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean was left out of the starting line up against Young Boys. He did not feature in the match entirely. He will be fresh for this tie if given the nod. In 22 matches, he has scored only three goals for the side. Despite his poor return, he still has a lot to offer the team.
Sanchez is favoured to take up the left wing position. He had a few chances against Watford and there is genuine belief that he can deliver the goals with time. With Marcus Rashford suspended, he has the chance to prove doubters wrong.
Anthony Martial/Jesse Lingard
At the moment, both seem to be performing at a similar level. Lingard has not fully hit his stride since England's solid World Cup run. Lingard has the advantage in this situation given his ability to distribute the balls while on the move.
Martial has raw pace and great dribbling ability on the other hand. He greatly improved in the second half of their Champions League tie and even got a goal. Mourinho may have seen enough to give him another bite at the cherry. On a good day, Martial can be ruthless even in the face of transfer speculation.
Romelu Lukaku
He is undoubtedly United's main man up front. He has played as the sole striker on many occasions with supporting wingers. Lukaku has started the season strongly in terms of his goal return. He was the top scorer last season with 27 goals and the current style of play dictates that he will have more chances come his way.
On long balls, Lukaku can bully many defenders and win aerial duels. He is also one of the target men during set pieces. Regardless of the formation, his primary objective will be to score or at the least create chances for his teammates.
