Manchester United’s return to the Champions League started with a 2-1 defeat against PSV, in which Luke Shaw suffered a horror injury. Louis van Gaal will be keen to right a few wrongs and get some points on the board at home to Wolfsburg on Wednesday. Despite all the criticism that has come Manchester United’s way this season, they have somehow managed to earn the desired results and are currently standing atop of the Premier League. For Van Gaal, it is a tricky fixture as soon after the Wolfsburg clash, they will have to be prepared for a crucial game against Arsenal in Premier League.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
De Gea has been one of the primary reasons behind United turn of form, and he will be expected to start against Wolfsburg on Wednesday. He earned a clean sheet against Sunderland on Saturday and will be hopeful of another good performance to keep Wolfsburg attack quite.
Defense: Matteo Darmian, Antonio Valencia, Daley Blind and Chris Smalling
Due to an injury crisis, Darmian was shifted out to the left and Valencia was drafted into the right back position. Van Gaal will most probably continue with the same full backs for this match. The pairing of Daley Blind and Chris Smalling has been superb recently and they will be expected to continue in the middle for United. Smalling has been one the best performers this season, producing solid displays on a consistent basis.
Midfield: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Memphis Depay and Juan Mata
Michael Carrick started against Sunderland on Saturday, therefore Van Gaal might go with Schweinsteiger for this one alongside Morgan Scheiderlin, who has been in superb form this season. It is very likely that the manager will rotate between Carrick and Schweinsteiger for one position this season. In the wide positions, Memphis Depay and Juan Mata have been in sensational form and it would not be a surprise if the duo retain their place in the lineup.
Attack: Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial
In attack, everything right now revolves around Anthony Martial and it would be a big surprise to see him dropped because he doesn’t at all look like he needs a rest. Wayne Rooney scored his first league goal of the season last weekend and will in all likelihood start in the number 10 role. 19-year old Anthony Martial should be the first name on the team sheet while his fitness would be a concern as he has played 90 minutes against Sunderland and he will surely be required against Arsenal as well.