The United Devils - Manchester United News

Well the return of the Premier League is finally here and like many football fans around the country will be glad to see football that we all have a vested interest in make a comeback to our screens. It’s been rollercoaster ride to reach a point where all clubs in England’s top division unanimously feel it’s safe and necessary to complete the 2019/20 season. While there may be some dodgy lockdown haircuts around, let’s hope we see nothing but top quality football on the pitch.


United will have to ensure that their preparation has been spot on as they have a difficult first fixture against Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This will be United’s first visit to Spurs’ new ground and they will hope that they can pick up where they left off before the enforced break. The Reds had just started to find some rhythm and form before the break. Unbeaten in their last five games, including wins against Chelsea and Manchester City respectively, United’s form has brought them to within three points of a Champions League place, with nine games left to play. It’s a much different story for Tottenham who have failed to win any of their last three league games. Neither team are where they would want to be at this stage of the season, but a strong end to their respective seasons could see their fortunes change drastically, so it’s all to play for!


It’s difficult to know what both teams line-ups will look like as both teams have players returning from long term injuries. However with all things considered this would be combined XI for Friday nights fixture:


Goalkeeper: David De Gea
David is under pressure to perform in these last nine games of the season. With Dean Henderson performing well for Sheffield United and threatening to be United’s number one soon, it’s time for Dave to show once again he’s one of the best in the world and a much more solid option than Hugo Lloris.


Back four: Wan-Bissaka, Alderweireld, Maguire and Shaw
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was almost unbeatable before the break he is quickly becoming the best one on one defender in the League if not the world. Toby Alderweireld just gets in just ahead of Victor Lindelof on the basis that I believe he is slightly a better all round defender than the Swede at the moment. Although it is worth noting that the Maguire-Lindelof partnership is improving and showing some positive signs. Maguire was an easy choice he’s really starting to grow in to a leader on and off the pitch for United and has been putting in some top class performances to add. Luke Shaw is in at left back. He was in the best form of his United career before the break and therefore is the outstanding candidate for this position.


Midfield three: An all United midfield of Fernandes, Pogba and McTominay
I’ve not been impressed with any of Tottenham’s midfielders this season. In the meantime the upturn in United’s form has been down to some excellent performances in midfield from the likes of Fernandes and McTominay and of course not forgetting Fred. All the early indications are that Paul Pogba won’t start on Friday, but I’m so intrigued to see how Fernandes and Pogba dovetail in the middle of the park and that’s why he makes my Starting XI.


Front three: Son, Kane and Rashford
It was a difficult choice between Heung Min Son and Anthony Martial, but I just feel Son would give the team that extra bit of energy at the top of the pitch. I also feel like the South Korean is one of the most underrated players in the Premier League. Harry Kane is probably the only natural centre forward from the two teams with the exception of Odion Ighalo. The Englishman’s record speaks for itself though and that’s why he gets the nod. Like Harry Kane it will be interesting to see if Rashford comes straight back in to action, both have been out with long term injuries, but for me Rashford would provide the perfect foil for Kane on the right of a front three.