United to thrive without Rooney

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The biggest headline after the previous Premier League round was the Rooney red card and automatic three match suspension for violent play. Not a lot of attention was paid to the fact that Louis van Gaal’s troops managed to hold West Ham to one goal for 90+ minutes of which 35 minutes shorthanded. Even though the Hammers seemed a bit toothless this defensive effort is a remarkable step forward after the trashing in Leicester. Admittedly there are still problems at the back, especially with set-pieces aimed for big and strong target men, which might prove crucial against the visiting Everton – with set-piece specialist Leighton Baines and juggernaut Romero Lukaku in the lineup.

The absence of Wayne Rooney should be of little consequence to the team of United’s caliber and could even prove to be a blessing in disguise. It is about time for someone else to carry the team, at least for the next three matches. The footballing talent is there, it’s the mental side that remains a question. Juan Mata is the likely candidate to take the “number 10”-role behind forwards Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie, while Phil Jones should be available to pair with Marcos Rojo at central defense.

The visitors have yet to lose a match away (1 win, 2 draws), but the results are somewhat misleading. Last weekend’s Liverpool derby was salvaged in the nick of time by an amazing long range effort courtesy of unlikely hero Phil Jagielka. Some might also remember the 3-6 mauling in the hands of Chelsea at Goodison Park. In addition, Everton visited Russia and exchanged goals in 1-1 bore draw with Krasnodar in Europa League on Thursday, so Manchester United will be itching to exploit any fitness concerns the visitors might be dealing with after the trip. Ironically, the home side’s failure to qualify for continental competition may provide the pivotal edge for them come Sunday.



With both teams playing with attacking mentality and somewhat struggling in the defensive end of things, we might yet be witnessing another high scoring match. Probably not another tennis-set result though.

Predicted starting XI:
Manchester United: De Gea; Shaw, Rojo, Jones, Rafael; Blind, Di Maria, Mata, Fletcher; Falcao, van Persie
Everton: Howard; Baines, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman; Barry, McCarthy, McGeady, Besic, Naismith; Lukaku