Manchester United will take on Watford on Wednesday at Old Trafford and will look to build on the momentum gained from the win against Arsenal at the weekend. Man United won the reverse fixture between both these teams in dramatic fashion as a stoppage time own goal from Troy Deeney gave the win to United. The Red Devils are going through an injury crisis, with 15 of their first team players out with injury. One player that should keep his place in attack is Marcus Rashford, who has thrust himself into the limelight after scoring two braces in as many games.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
De Gea has been in incredible form this season after his move to Real Madrid fell through at the last stage. If fit he is expected to start every match for United. He was out for two matches due to a knee injury but his return is a massive boost for LVG.
Defenders: Guillermo Varela, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Daley Blind and Michael Carrick
United are very thin at the back, after Marcos Rojo also suffered a minor injury on Sunday and is a doubt for Wednesday. Therefore Van Gaal has very little option but to go with Carrick and Blind in the middle, the two even started against Arsenal due to an injury to Smalling. With most of the senior full backs still missing, Varela will continue on the right, while youngster Fosu-Mensah is likely to start on the left. The defence will be put to serious test against the Watford strikers, the pressure will be mainly on the inexperienced heads at the back.
Midfielders: Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Memphis Depay, Ander Herrera and Morgan Schneiderlin
Herrera and Schneiderlin will start in centre midfield, the absence of Fellaini and Schweinsteiger will put some pressure on the two to hold firm in the middle of the park. Watford are likely to sit back and play on the counter, hence the two central midfielders will need to be disciplined while protecting the back four. Juan Mata will continue in the number 10 role, right behind the striker and will be responsible for pulling the strings from there. Depay and Lingard will be positioned on the left flank and right flank respectively.
Striker: Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford’s extraordinary start to his United career has lifted the whole team, the club and even the entire fanbase. Having scored four goals in the last two matches, he will be high on confidence and will look to build on it more come Wednesday.