You get the feeling Jose Mourinho could do without this EFL Cup fixture with Northampton Town this week.
The Old Trafford club travel to Sixfields to face the Cobblers in what is a potential banana skin for Mourinho’s men.
After the early season optimism that three straight wins brought United now find themselves in a bit of a rut with three defeats on the bounce and whilst it’s too early to call it everyone’s favourite, a crisis, there’s certainly some things that need to be addressed at the club.
Whether that’s manager or players is up for debate but a full solution won’t be found in time for the game against Northampton and you can bet they’ll be right up for causing an upset.
If they actually do is a very different proposition, though, and we think if United go with this line-up they’ll be absolutely fine.
Probably…
David De Gea
Now isn’t a time for No.2 ‘keepers. De Gea must start.
Antonio Valencia
Valencia looked challenged for the first time this season against Watford. Needs a big performance.
Eric Bailly
This is where Bailly realises what English football is really like. Let’s see how he does because he’s been decent so far.
Chris Smalling
Smalling should be the first name on the team-sheet at the back so he needs to start showing it here.
Daley Blind
Luke Shaw took a bit of a pasting off Jose Mourinho so Blind may find himself at left back against the Cobblers.
Marouane Fellaini
Fellaini hasn’t been that bad this season and will have to make sure he gets on top of Northampton’s midfield quickly to prevent a shock.
Ander Herrera
The Spaniard is the player United’s midfield needs so he needs to grab this chance.
Jesse Lingard
Lingard needs to take authority over his career and put in a good performance because he’s beginning to drift.
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Juan Mata
The Spaniard will deliver when asked too and that’s what United need. He should be playing more.
Marcus Rashford
Rashford has to be starting every game because despite all the big names, he’s the one most likely to make things happen.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
This’ll be a different experience for Ibrahimovic but one he’ll no doubt embrace. He’s one United star that is performing.