Several key figures remain sidelined for the Red Devils.
It’s been a slow start for Manchester United in 2014/15 under new manager Louis van Gaal after two unconvincing performances in the Premier League against Swansea City and Sunderland that leaves the side with just one point from two games.
They now have a chance to prove themselves against lowlier opposition in the Capital One Cup as they travel to take on League One outfit MK Dons, having entered the competition early due to their seventh place finish last season.
Van Gaal is without a large number of first team players due to injury and here’s how CaughtOffside thinks the Dutchman will line his team up.
GK – David de Gea
A bit like last term the goalkeeper has been one of the few positives for the Red Devils so far this campaign and with doubts over the capabilities of Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos the Spaniard is likely to retain his place.
CB – Michael Keane
Injury to Chris Smalling saw this youngster called upon against Sunderland on Sunday and although he looked shaky then, this should be a much better platform for the defender.
CB – Phil Jones
Earned the Man of the Match award against the Black Cats and with Smalling and Jonny Evans both doubts the 22-year-old may have to be the experienced head at the back for his younger counterparts.
CB – Tyler Blackett
Has been somewhat thrown in a deep-end this year by van Gaal because of the number of injures and so far the 20-year-old has looked solid enough and looks set to continue at the back.
RWB – Antonio Valencia
Having been used at right-back on a number of occasions by Sir Alex Ferguson it’s been less of a stretch for this South American to adapt to the wing-back role in the new system.
LWB – Reece James
With Ashley Young looking woeful at the weekend despite his impressive pre-season expect to see this youngster drafted in once more with Luke Shaw still injured and Marcos Rojo waiting on a work permit.
CM – Darren Fletcher
It was not a good day for the new vice-captain at the Stadium of Light, but with Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera all injured there are few options for van Gaal and Fletcher will be given another chance.
CM – Tom Cleverley
Similar story for Cleverley, who now aged 25-years-old can no longer be considered one for the future and either has to prove himself quickly or face being axed from the squad altogether.
CAM – Shinji Kagawa
More than two years since his switch from Borussia Dortmund this attacking midfielder is still to settle at Old Trafford and opportunities will become fewer and fewer if that doesn’t change soon.
ST – Javier Hernandez
Both Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are likely to be rested for this match and it is therefore another chance for Hernandez to take to the pitch and show van Gaal what he can do.
ST – Danny Welbeck
This England international is essentially competing with his Mexican counterpart for the title of third striker at the club with one likely to be moving on before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
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