Manchester United: Picking the Red Devils' Starting XI to Beat Blackburn Rovers

Bimersha GautamJun 7, 2018

After a hard-fought and controversial win against Fulham, Manchester United can now pride themselves with a three-point lead over cross-town rivals and title threats, Manchester City.

While Manchester City drew to a Stoke, thanks in great parts due to a superb Peter Crouch goal, United found themselves ahead by a goal thanks to Wayne Rooney's clinical finishing, which would be enough to see off a victory.

Next Monday, United travel to Blackburn Rovers looking to garner all three points again. However, they need to be wary and cannot be too lax against Steve Kean's men.

In the last outing between these two teams, Blackburn handed United a humiliation by defeating them by three goals to two.

Here's a starting XI to ensure that history is not repeated.

Goalkeeper

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In the last game against Blackburn, David de Gea was at fault for not being able to effectively deal with a Morten Gamst Pederson cross.

However, De Gea has grown in stature and confidence, and he has some great games under his belt. Against Fulham, he was composed at all times and dealt with aerial threats effectively.

With Anders Lindegaard still out, De Gea is Sir Alex Ferguson's easiest pick.

Defenders

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Left-Back: Patrice Evra

Patrice Evra had a great game against Fulham, and I expect him to start. In the game against Fulham, he won all his aerial duels, won five dribbles and put in two tackles.

Center-Back: Jonny Evans

Jonny Evans has been a great defender thus far and has improved by leaps and bounds this season. He was the man-of-the-match against Fulham, contributing an assist and playing a major role in the clean sheet.

Often at the end of bountiful criticism from several United faithful, he has persevered and has managed to fill Nemanja Vidic's void effectively.

Center-Back: Chris Smalling

I am going to go with Chris Smalling over Rio Ferdinand in this game to partner Jonny Evans.

Right-Back: Rafael

Rafael will surely start at right back, as he has been immense after coming back from injury. He combines well with Antonio Valencia on the right flank and is able to provide incisive passes towards the center.

Midfielders

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Defensive Midfielder: Phil Jones

Phil Jones is in need of some games and he can inject some life into the midfield that was so underwhelming against Fulham on Monday. Although a defender, Phil Jones does quite a good job providing a shield for the defenders, and is also great at going forwards.

Attacking Midfielder Center: Wayne Rooney

I am going to go with a bold prediction and put Wayne Rooney in a deeper role as an attacking central midfielder. He is quite effective at the role and will allow for Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck to play together.

This of course means no playing time for either Tom Cleverly or Paul Pogba. But I think Rooney might be allowed to rest after the first 60 minutes or so.

Attacking Midfielder Left: Ashley Young

Expect Ashley Young to operate on the left flank and make incisive passes towards the center.

Attacking Midfielder Right: Antonio Valencia

Valencia has been one of United's best players, and he will surely start. He has established himself as one of the best right wingers in the league and will be a tremendous presence again in the game against Blackburn. He will also free up Rafael to make marauding runs alongside him.