Rooney In Attack, Depay Out, Manchester United Likely XI vs CSKA Moscow

After surmounting a hard Everton hurdle at the weekend, the Red Devils will have to do 2 more in quick succession as they are up against Manchester City next in the League, and will travel to Russia by mid-week to face a tough CSKA Moscow side. Louis Van Gaal will likely stick to his favorite 4-2-3-1 formation against such tactical Russian side.

With only 3 points gotten from 2 Champions League games, the Red Devils will hope to increase the tally to 6, and apart from the fact that the travel fatigue might be a concern, getting a win at Russia might be far fetched. This is how they are likely to lineup up against Moscow when they meet on Wednesday.

GOALKEEPER

DeGea should start in goal, as there shouldn’t be need for experimenting with Romero who has no Champions League experience. David was great in goal at the Goodison Park, should get the nod again.

DEFENDERS

Rojo is back from injury and he did put up a great display at the left side of the defence for 90 minutes the last time. With Young injured, he should retain his position. Valencia might be introduced in the second half if there is need for it.

Phil Jones or Blind should start alongside Smalling in central defence. The latter was rested as a result of fatigue following the international break, while Jones put up a great display against Everton after returning to full fitness prior to the great. Either of them will perform well.

Smalling and Matteo Darmian will man the other part of the central defence and right back respectively. No injury concerns nor drop in form for the duo.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS

Micheal Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin could be paired together for the game. Although Bastian has no injury concerns, but the coach might opt to rest him in order not to complicate issues.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS

Herrera showed great composure during the last game, and might just seal his position as the permanent creative midfielder if he does well in Russia.

Depay could get reinstated to the left. Martial is likely to miss out after Louis Van Gaal confirmed the Frenchman is ill.

Mata was substituted halftime last time, as a tactical move and not an injury scare as perceived by many. He is likely to start again, as Jesse Lingard is still without the experience to play such a tough side.

STRIKER

Rooney might just continue his away scoring form at Russia after helping the Red Devils with a fine goal against his former club. The skipper should start upfront.